From Fire Code violations to building cracks and a large sinkhole,
residents of a Penticton condo building have begun walking away rather
than help pay for millions of dollars in repairs. “It’s turned
out to be a nightmare,” says Linda Bignell, a resident of The Ellis
condominium complex on Hastings Avenue who purchased the unit sight
unseen for retirement. There are cracks in the foundation of the
six year old building and water stains from leakage in the underground
parking lot. No fire stops were built in the structure. Outside,
between the two condo buildings, fences block off what used to be a
large sinkhole that appeared when water collected in the area, causing
the ground to collapse. The property management company Colyvan,
which represents the strata, says the problems are being blown out of
proportion and warranty issues are being worked out. CHBC News spoke to other owners Tuesday who say they are about to walk away from their homes at The Ellis. Owners being asked to pay up to $40,000 for repairs. The bill to repair The Ellis is said to be $1.5 million. The
repair bill may be the tipping point for one owner who didn’t want her
name publicized. She now owes more on her mortgage than her place is
worth. The City of Penticton did not call CHBC News back by
deadline, nor did the developer Platinum Homes, to explain how the
building passed inspection. Bignell calls the shoddy construction criminal. The Ellis strata corporation has since taken legal action against many of the players involved in the development.
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