'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
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Scottie Scheffler, from the course to jail and back: What to know about his PGA Championship arrest
Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler was arrested after police say he dragged an officer while trying to get around the scene of a fatal accident Friday ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship.
Truck engulfed in flames with owner on scene in Scarborough
A truck was engulfed in flames in the early hours in Scarborough on Saturday.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Feds refuse Toronto's request to decriminalize simple drug possession
The federal government has denied Toronto's request to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use.
Yemen's Houthi rebels launch a missile that strikes an oil tanker in the Red Sea, U.S. military says
Yemen's Houthi rebels hit an oil tanker in the Red Sea with a ballistic missile early Saturday, damaging the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned vessel in their latest assault over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, officials said.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Duchene scores winner in 2nd OT, Stars reach conference final with 2-1 win over Avs
Matt Duchene scored at 11:42 of the second overtime after being involved in a play that led to a goal disallowed for goaltender interference in the first extra period, and the Dallas Stars advanced to the Western Conference final with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 on Friday night.