By Matthew Peterson - Ladysmith Chronicle
Council gave the first readings to a bylaw to give the owner of the Traveller’s Hotel one more year to pay the outstanding balance.
Mayor Rob Hutchins said the bill includes costs the town incurred after it was forced to do some repair work to the bricks on the upper levels and for outstanding taxes — now in the fourth year.
“We had to invest money as a community because it was a safety hazard for the pedestrians in that alleyway as well as the cars.”
The hotel was put up for public auction last year, but there was no bids.
The price then was $336,757.11.
“So what happens in that case ... the owner of the property has another year to pay the property tax and redeem the property.”
That brings the situation to this September, the month that extra year would have run out.
“In this case, the property owner has asked us for an extension,” said Hutchins.
The Chronicle has tried to get in touch with the owner of the hotel, and will continue to try and find out what is planned for the Traveller’s Hotel.