'I never thought it would be anything this size': City committee approves oversized garage without permit
A city committee has given the green light to an oversized garage, where no permit was pulled.
"They stood this thing up so quick, so fast, then it's like wow, I never thought it would be anything this size,” said neighbour, Darren Van Wynsberghe.
The garage on Liberty Street, south of Wilkes Avenue, is 4,200 square feet - more than four times the allowable limit
City planners were alerted to the garage being built without a permit.
They rejected an application by owner Tylan Unrah for a variance after the fact, meaning he would have to tear it down or scale it down to the proper dimensions for a development permit to be issued.
"I do apologize for the inconvenience this has caused,” said Unrah.
Unrah appealed the order to the city's appeal committee. He said sorry for not getting a permit, and explained he needs the garage to store a motor home, camper, a snowmobile trailer, and a watercraft.
He said many of his neighbours support him.
"First, I would need to say that I made mistakes along the way, specifically in the manner in which I proceeded with the storage garage. Primarily of course I have not received a permit and should have gone through all of the requirements,” Unrah said.
In a three to one vote the committee agreed to let the garage stand.
The neighbourhood is zoned rural residential and has large homes and lots.
“It's a big rural type property, this is a long way from the property line, yah it's an oversized garage we've allowed many of those,” said Coun. Brian Mayes.
But the decision is not sitting well with his neighbour next door
"Basically you do not need a permit just build it and ask for forgiveness later,” said Van Wynsberghe.
“This backyard used to be like a park we would only see trees back here. Now I feel like I live in an industrial park."
Coun. Evan Duncan said he is also in disbelief.
He worries others will now flout the permit process, and deal with the consequences later
"I think that either tearing it down would have set a major signal to Winnipeggers but at least a reduction in size,” said Duncan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.