News Release

(Friday, July 28/2000)-- Halifax Regional Municipality issued a Stop Work Order this afternoon on the construction of an apartment complex located on the Bedford Highway at Prince's Lodge.

In addition, the Building Inspector has advised the owner of HRM's intent to revoke the Building Permit issued for the project in 30 days time. The registered owner is #3022551 N.S. Limited and the permit applicant is listed as W.M. Farres and Associates.

The action was based on new information provided to HRM that the 72-unit building under construction was being built on two lots-- not a single lot as earlier indicated. However, all of the land in question is owned by the company.

Based on the information submitted previously, HRM understood that the land holdings of the owner on the Bedford Highway consisted of a single lot.

Municipal records showed that the land identified at this location was zoned appropriately to permit construction of an apartment building and; on that basis, a Building Permit was issued.

However, HRM learned recently that the land in question appears to be made up of two lots, and that the southernmost lot is zoned R-1 ( which does not permit the construction of a multi-unit building).

The Building Inspector was informed of the land discrepancies and on that basis, he has advised the owner that pursuant to the Building Code Act, the Building Permit for the project would be revoked in 30 days.

In the interim, the Building Inspector has issued a Stop Work Order on the project. The owner will be permitted to carry out minor work on the building to secure it againsst unauthorized access.

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John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531