In a ruling with implications for muncipalties provincewide, the Appeal Court of B.C. has ruled in favour of the City of Prince George in a long-running legal battle over who should pay the cost of demolishing the Columbus Hotel.
Reversing a lower court ruling, Justice Christopher Hinkson found in a reasons for judgment issued Wednesday that although the hotel was handed over to the City after failing to attract a buyer during a tax sale, ownership remained with those who owned the property before the sale.
Mayor Dan Rogers said the ruling means the City is "free and clear" to collect $175,000 in demolition and clean up costs after an Aug. 19, 2008 fire gutted the building.
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