Vancouver issues more than 400 orders to Sahota-owned Balmoral and Regent hotels.

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Meeshika Sharma
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Two of the most notorious flophouses on the Downtown Eastside—the Balmoral and Regent hotels—are once again the subject of a statement from City of Vancouver.In a bulletin released today, civic officials say there have been more than 426 orders issued against these two establishments, which are owned by the Sahota family.

The city initially,filed 60 charges  against Balmoral Hotel Ltd., controlled by members of the Sahota family, alleging violations of the city's standards of maintenance bylaw, and 47 charges against Triville Enterprises Ltd., also controlled by members of the Sahota family.

The citu said that the additional charges were recommended after a September site inspection, during which multiple maintenance violations were observed.

publive-imageHere's what the statement said about the Balmoral Hotel:

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 "Earlier this year, the City ordered a full structural review of the building by a professional engineer. The City of Vancouver filed 60 charges against Balmoral Hotel Ltd., controlled by members of the Sahota family, in the B.C. Provincial Court alleging violations of the City's Standards of Maintenance By-law. The defendants are due in Court today, on December 12, 2017, for a first appearance on these charges.  Further Court dates will be set following the first appearance."

"The building was vacated in June 2017 after it was determined to be unsafe to occupy due to risk of localized collapse.  Shoring has been installed in the residential floors to ensure that the building is stable and secure and poses no public safety risk.

"At this time, the City does not have information as to the expected timeline for completion of repairs to the residential floors. The City has provided standards to which the building must be renovated, which align with standards established for BC Housing SRO and other major SRO renovations."

publive-imageThe  statement said about the Regent Hotel:

"This year the City ordered a full structural review of the Regent Hotel by a professional engineer, due to concerns with the safety and condition of the building.

"Based on the structural assessment, the City required repairs to damage caused by long-term leaking from the plumbing and building envelope. Temporary bracing and supports have been put in place to ensure the safety and stability of the building."

The City has also been monitoring the Regent to ensure compliance with Standards of Maintenance by-law requirements. Several outstanding violations are unresolved. As a result, in April 2017 the City filed 47 charges against Triville Enterprises Ltd. (controlled by members of the Sahota family) in the B.C. Provincial Court, alleging violations of the City's Standards of Maintenance By-law.  The defendants are due in Court on January 16, 2018 for a first appearance on these charges.

"Another 21 charges under the Standards of Maintenance By-law and two charges under the Building By-law were filed in May 2017. The City is waiting for the court to set a first appearance date on these charges."

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