I 've been told in the past that she was holding on to the Janion purely in the interest its preservation. She was waiting for a buyer that would ensure the structure would be preserved.
And now I read this article.
Clara Beatrice Kramer, I declare war.
City bids to stop demolition of two historic buildings
Carolyn Heiman, Times Colonist
Published: Friday, March 14, 2008
The City of Victoria is trying to block the demolition of two historic downtown buildings -- the Janion Building and the Morley's Soda Water Factory.
Last night council unanimously put the two derelict buildings under temporary protection for 60 days using a section of the Local Government Act aimed at saving important heritage buildings.
The action was taken after the city received a demolition permit application for the buildings on March 6. The report does not name who applied for the permit or their plans for the lands.
"These two buildings are of vital importance to the integrity of Victoria's Old Town and are of strong heritage significance," wrote Steve Barber, the city's senior heritage planner, of the two buildings. Both are owned by Oak Bay resident Clara Beatrice Kramer.
Over recent years the deteriorating condition of the unoccupied properties, along with their prominence in the downtown core, has prompted city council to examine ways to get the owner to either sell the properties or renovate them.
In 1980 the city placed the properties on a heritage registry, signaling the interest in keeping them preserved. In 2007 the city called for the inspection of the properties to determine if they were being properly maintained after it was learned that a heavy snowfall had caved in the roof of the Morley's Soda Factory building. Staff were finally able to inspect the properties this week, after the demolition permit application was filed.
The Morley's Soda Water Factory building was constructed in 1884. The three-storey Janion Building was built in 1892.
Barber said if an owner ignores a protection order they are liable for a fine of up to $50,000 or jail sentence of up to two years. The penalty if a building is owned by a corporation is up to $1 million.
Coun. Charlayne Thornton Joe said she was sad to see the staff report but agreed the council had to act.
cheiman@tc.canwest.com
© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2008