Demolition of the dilapidated duplex at 2112 Redwood St. could begin as early as Thursday.
On Sept. 12 city council gave the owner 30 days to demolish the fire-damaged property and clear debris from the yard. Under the remediation order approved by council, the city will now complete the work and present the property owner with the bill.
"We're hoping to have that one down and finished by the end of the week," city bylaw services manager Guy Gusdal said.
"The tender was completed this week. I've talked to the contractor, and he plans to have his equipment on site by tomorrow of the next day."
A fire on July 8, 2010 gutted the duplex, which was the site of frequent police complaints. According to the city's report on the property, police were called to the home 54 times - including 21 drug-related complaints - between Jan. 1, 2008 and August, 2010.
Since August, 2010 the city has spent $5,176 to set up fencing around the site. In addition, on Aug. 21, 2011 fire fighters were called to the site to put out three small fires which had been set inside the building.
According to the land title, Satnam Singh Claire of 12174 97A Ave. Surrey, B.C. has owned the property since Jan. 30, 2009. A title search revealed the property is the subject of pending litigation by the Royal Bank of Canada, which holds the mortgage.
"My impression is the bank does have control of it," Gusdal said. "My hope is they will pay the [demolition] bill right away, or out of the sale of the land. I'm not worried we won't be paid on this one."
If the registered owner of the property fails to pay the remediation costs, he said, the amount is added to the property taxes owed on the site. If the owner defaults on the property taxes, the property will be sold under a tax sale.
Neighbours on Redwood Street said the building is an eyesore, stinks and attracts squatters.
On Sept. 12, the city also approved a remediation order on a house at 450 Tofield St.
Gusdal said owners Ken and Norma Dow are completing the work to the roof, siding and other exterior components the city ordered. The home has been the subject of neighbour complaints since the 1980s.
"They are getting the work done, so there is no need for further action."
