Peachland council has ordered the removal of two large retaining walls in the Upper Princeton neighbourhood after learning they were built without permits and could pose a threat to public safety and the environment.
The walls, located on property at 5475 Pierce鈥疭treet, were built in 2019 using creosote-soaked hydro poles, a material known to be toxic. They sit on a steep slope above the access road to the community鈥檚 water treatment plant, raising serious safety and environmental concerns.
According to district staff, the structures were never approved, and the owner failed to obtain building or development permits despite years of warnings, deadlines, and offers of help.
Staff have worked to get the issue resolved over the past six years. Planning and Development Services Director Darin Schaal said the issue can no longer be ignored.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 safe to say that these unauthorized walls are a threat to the operation of the water treatment plant and thus could affect the whole community.鈥�
At its July 8 meeting, council approved a remedial action order requiring the property owner to remove the walls under the supervision of a geotechnical engineer with a proper demolition permit and restore the slope with guidance from an environmental professional.
Councillor Randey Brophy asked whether removing the wall might increase the risk of slope failure.
鈥淲hat happens with what it鈥檚 retaining? Is there a chance that we could cause the problem by a landslide by taking out the retaining wall?鈥�
Schaal reiterated that the work would be carried out by professionals to ensure the slope remains stable.
Under the order, the property owner will receive written notice and have 14 days to request a review. If no review is requested鈥攐r if the order is upheld鈥攖he owner will have 90 days to complete the work. If that still doesn鈥檛 happen, the district can complete the work and bill the owner for the cost.
