Court-appointed administrator takes over Saskatoon condo tower after board ceases 'any meaningful existence'
A Court of Queen’s Bench judge has appointed an administrator to take over the management of a problem-plagued condo building that has been closed since the beginning of May.
Clayton B. Barry has been appointed the administrator for the Prairie Heights Condominium Corporation (PHCC) for an initial term of 180 days, according to a written decision from Justice R.W. Elson.
In his decision, the judge said the PHCC board has “ceased any meaningful existence.”
Since the Saskatoon Fire Department shut down the tower on May 6, following numerous attempts to correct fire safety issues at the 44-unit highrise on 20th Street West.
Elson said court has received no information as to when, or under what circumstances the SFD will allow the condo building to open.
Elson said in his decision the appointment of an administrator “is the only circumstance that would provide any reasonable prospect of bringing order to the affairs of PHCC.”
In his role as administrator, Barry can start collecting condominium fees and will report to the court from time to time with the progress of getting the condo affairs in order.
On May 6, Saskatoon Fire Department said it was left with no other option than to close the entire building at 1416 20th St. W.
Assistant Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer said the fire department could not get ahead on making the necessary repairs on the highrise due to constant vandalism, squatting, drug trade, risky and unhealthy behaviours.
“We cannot allow people to live in this building until significant changes are made,” Raymer said.
Of the 44 units at Prairie Heights, 30 vacant units were boarded up by the fire department. Of the remaining 14 units, three were owner-occupied, the rest were renter-occupied.
Sergii Bogdanoff, one of the few owners remaining at the condo told CTV News when he refused to leave his unit, he was escorted out of the building by police. Unable to find housing and refusing to stay at a shelter, Bogdanoff resorted to sleeping in his car.
"It’s not an easy life ... I have a car but some people don’t have anything,” Bogdanoff told CTV News in late May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Fewer medical students going into family medicine contributing to doctor shortage
As some family doctors are retiring and others are moving away from family medicine, there are fewer medical students to take their place.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.