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Derelict buildings draw scrutiny in Lumby

The primary concern is some of the buildings don’t appear to be safe.
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The Village of Lumby is investigating ways to deal with vacant commercial buildings.

Lumby officials want to get tough on the owners of vacant buildings.

Council has instructed staff to look at ways of dealing with derelict structures.

“You come into town and the first thing you see are buildings with broken windows or they are boarded up,” said Coun. Lori Mindnich.

The primary concern is some of the buildings don’t appear to be safe.

“We need owners to take them down or repair them, and for sure insure them,” said Mindnich.

All council members have received complaints from residents about empty buildings.

“There is no one specific building being picked on but there is more than one,” said Mayor Kevin Acton.

Beyond safety, there is a concern that the vacant commercial buildings are negatively impacting Lumby’s attempt to lure new investors and bolster economic development.

“Some of the complainants are business owners who have put a lot into their businesses,” said Acton.

“It’s frustrating when you have invested a lot in your building and your neighbour allows their building to rot.”

A similar issue about derelict buildings was recently tackled by the City of Enderby.

In that community, a policy allows city staff to inspect vacant commercial and industrial buildings.