The great wall of Penticton

Dear Editor: Re: “Great wall builder to beg for permission,” (Okanagan Weekend, June 2).

I am the adjoining property owner at 2764 Cedar Rd. in Penticton and am in complete disagreement and oppose them application for a 4.5-meter variance for a retaining wall at the property line. For the city managers to recommend that the council support this is completely unfair and one sided.

Being that this wall was built without a permit, the question of proper drainage and the safety of the wall come in to question as well.

I propose that this entire wall be deconstructed and brought down to the allowance of the approved existing 2.5 metre variance with a 1.2 metre set back and then another 2.5 metre wall to the maximum height of five meters in total. A wall of total height being five metres completely necessitates the need of regrading to create a usable lot (with a view) and usable driveways. This is just and fair for all. We would all hope that the City of Penticton, its managers and city council will stand up and support our city bylaws to everyone.

As quoted by our mayor Andrew Jakubeit in an email letter to citizen Ted Wiltse (which he shared with me) in regard to this wall: “In terms of violating a bylaw, we do have the right to order the removal of the non-conforming wall and if the property owner doesn’t want to, we can remove it and transfer all costs to their tax bill.”

This sounds just and fair and not unreasonable considering all the facts.

I have been a developer and builder in Penticton for more than 50 years. It would have been beneficial for me many times to ignore city bylaws and do as I pleased, but I chose to respect the bylaws and take the necessary steps and the time and the cost it takes to acquire variances and permits.

Is this respect and process not to be expected from everyone?

This is not the time for the city to grant leniency, the integrity and structure of our city bylaws are at stake. This is the time the city needs to show that they do stand behind the bylaws and exercise authority when needed.

Why would the city risk losing all credibility for the sake of one individual property owner who has proven by his self-serving actions that he has no regard for city bylaws at all? Hugo Deuschle Penticton