By Lyonel Doherty
The developer of a local housing project says he is “shocked” that the Town of Oliver has issued him two stop-work orders.
Oliver Landing developer David Perehudoff said he doesn’t understand why the orders were issued (two days before Christmas) on a couple of units being built on Sawmill Road.
Perehudoff, who was vacationing in Mexico, said he was made aware that the Town’s building inspector (Wayde Bliss) entered the property and placed two stop-work orders without the courtesy of a phone call.
“What’s wrong? That’s a good question,” the developer said.
Perehudoff indicated that Bliss is requiring that the housing units have twice the amount of spray foam insulation that is required under the BC Building Code.
Perehudoff said Bliss is going above and beyond what the Town is authorizing him to do.
“I don’t think the Town knows what he is doing. This is not a matter of safety or health.”
The Chronicle emailed Bliss to clarify the stop-work order but did not get a response.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes said he did not know the details, suggesting that Town management would have the specifics.
Deputy Corporate Officer Linda Schultz gave the Chronicle a copy of the order, which states that two units are in violation of Building Bylaw 1140 because of having no insulation inspection.
In the meantime, Perehudoff said he is trying to rectify the situation and is willing to challenge the orders in an open discussion.
On Wednesday morning, Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan said Bliss will be conducting an inspection on two other units in addition to the ones that have stop work orders.
