Progress is being made on a controversial boarding house in the Grandin section of St. Albert, says city manager Patrick Draper.
The St. Albert Gazette recently received e-mails, letters to the editor and phone calls about a home in the Gould neighbourhood that, while zoned as a single-family dwelling, was in fact being used as a de facto boarding house for dozens of construction workers, complete with cook and housekeeper.
The home at 3 Gould Place, which has elicited a strong response from neighbours, is still the subject of ongoing talks, Draper said.
“Not a whole lot new to report,” said Draper by phone Monday.
“We are trying to do two things. One is communicate with the neighbours.
“We are also trying to work with the owner of the property. These things do take a little while.”
Draper noted that, while what has been done in the home in question is not permitted, there are other issues, such as landlord-tenant rights, to be considered.
However, he said the city’s dealings with the property’s owner, local realtor Trevor Matheson, have been cordial and clear that something has to be done about the situation.
“We’ve had an agreement in principle,” said Draper. “Now we’re into a question of timing.
“I said to my staff, if we haven’t got anything in the next few days that’s sort of straightening this out, then I’m going to go meet with (Matheson) personally.”
The city manager noted that, while a situation such as this one is rarely pleasant for anyone concerned, dealings between the city and Matheson have been positive, especially considering how public the row has become.
Draper noted a somewhat similar situation handled by the city in the past was rectified quickly because the property owner didn’t want to be in the public eye.
The Gazette contacted Matheson by phone Monday, but he declined to comment. Matheson said he plans to comment on this issue sometime in the future.
Draper said the city is addressing the problem.
“It may not be moving as quickly as we’d like, but it’s moving in the right direction,” he added.
