Linda Keglowitsch says it was solely a matter of time earlier than the boarded-up Pioneer Sq. Mall in Mill Bay, B.C., burned to the bottom.
“It was a whole eyesore,” mentioned Keglowitsch. “There was a few different fires began there up to now.”
The blaze on Friday was the third fireplace that firefighters have responded to on the mall in latest months. The huge fireplace on Friday would be the final.
“That is the most important one which I’ve been to,” mentioned Mill Bay Fireplace Division deputy chief Stephen Melanson.
On Monday, there was nothing left of the constructing however rubble.
“We’re not stunned in any way,” mentioned Mike Baier, co-owner of the Limona Group, which owns the mall property. “We’re actually disillusioned.”
In 2020, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Mill Bay Fireplace Division deemed the constructing lower than present codes.
“Principally it wasn’t compliant with the B.C. Fireplace Code,” mentioned Melanson.
Somewhat than spending $250,000 to improve the constructing that was meant to be torn down sooner or later to make means for a brand new business area, the choice was made to evict its tenants till the time was proper to redevelop.
“We’re being held up by the province principally, attempting to get a water licence,” mentioned Baier.
The group additionally owns 150 acres of land behind the positioning. There they hope to construct upwards of 1,000 houses, together with 150 reasonably priced rental residences and a seniors house.
Baier mentioned all of the zoning is in place however demolishing the constructing earlier than the licence was permitted didn’t make sense.
“It’s exhausting to imagine that it takes you this lengthy to approve a licence,” mentioned Baier. “It’s ridiculous.”
Now with the constructing gone, neighbours are optimistic that the way forward for the positioning will revitalize the world.
“This can be a rising neighborhood,” mentioned Keglowitsch. “Victoria, Langford, they're full and it’s all coming this fashion.”
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