All NEW 2016 CX3
Wasps a Problem?
CALL 519-351-4471
Sale Price $22,784 All in + HST & Licence
383 Richmond St., Chatham
YOUR Independent Community Newspaper
519-354-1188
Toll Free 877-354-1118
www.chathammazda.com
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2015
Vol. 3 Edition 26
FREE!
Property rights vs. property standards
By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
A confrontation between municipal employees and landowners at a Langstaff Line property may become the flashpoint for a property rights movement in Chatham-Kent. At the heart of the dispute is what will happen to approximately two dozen vintage cars and tractors, as well as century-old farm implements, stored on a 1.75 acre rural property in the former Chatham Township. On June 25, Paul Lacina, the municipality’s chief building official, attempted to bring a group of bidders onto the property to determine what they would charge to remove the vehicles. They were met by a dozen members of the Ontario Landowners’ Association. “We told them they had no right to trespass on our land and that they would be subject to a fine if they did so,” said Steven Granger who co-owns the property with his mother, Susan Granger. “We called the police right away,” she said. Lacina showed his identification, and OLA members stood aside, taking photos and recording conversations. “There were eight or nine contractors who showed up to bid, but some of them wouldn’t go on because Mr. Lacina wouldn’t guarantee who would pay their fine,” Susan Granger
Jim Blake/The Chatham Voice
Steven and Susan Granger are fighting a municipal ruling to force them to remove cars and farm equipment from their Langstaff Line property.
said. Chatham-Kent Police showed up after Lacina had left, and refused to lay trespass charges, despite photos showing Lacina on the property. “They told us they had to witness it themselves, but they requested that the OLA provide them with information,” Susan
Granger said. Lacina said under the bylaw, the winning bidder removes the material, sells it and keeps the proceeds, and then bills the municipality for the removal. That charge is then added to the property owners’ tax bill. The Grangers and the OLA contend that the mu-
nicipal property standards bylaw doesn’t apply to private property and cite a 2012 Ontario Court of Appeal ruling backing their belief that the municipality cannot enter private property or remove items it finds there. In that case, in the Municipality of Georgian Bluffs (near Owen Sound)
Eat What You Want, Not Just What You Can! Get Secure Teeth Today & Start Enjoying theTaste & Flavours of your Food Again!
Call Today for your Complimentary Consultation 519-352-1600
the property owner was awarded more than $70,000 in costs after a similar incident. Lacina said he was aware of that case, but after the matter was referred the C-K legal department, he is certain the municipality is within its rights. The Grangers have used an Ottawa law office to
send a cease-and-desist letter to the municipality, and are prepared to take action to defend their property. “We’ve been fighting this since January of 2014 and we found we needed legal help, as well as that of the OLA,” Steven Granger said. Continued on page 2
Chatham
Denture and Implant Solutions
334 King St. W., Chatham
www.chathamdentures.com