In Kelowna, B.C., Susan Hisch lives in Burtch Estates, where she faces alarming safety concerns due to unfinished construction work on her building. Residents, including Hisch, were each required to pay a hefty special levy of $66,000 in 2021 for a comprehensive restoration of the aging structure, which promised safety upgrades including repairs to balconies and the exterior. Despite the financial contribution from homeowners, three years have passed, and significant portions of the necessary work remain incomplete. Hisch expresses frustration, stating that little progress has been made, and emphasizes the dire situation the community faces.
After an initial year of construction in which progress was noticeable, the situation deteriorated when the contractor, Team Construction, abandoned the job. Hisch describes the ongoing deterioration, highlighting that siding and balcony repairs are unfinished and safety remains a pressing issue. Team Construction indicated that their departure stemmed from disputes over payments with the strata council and consulting company, GTA. They filed a lien against the property, a decision that reflects the serious complications surrounding the financial and operational aspects of the project.
Hisch’s experiences go beyond mere inconvenience; they significantly impact her quality of life. With unusable balconies that are supposed to be their outdoor living spaces, she notes a loss of social connectivity as she’s unable to host company or enjoy her home fully. Having worked tirelessly to cover the costs associated with the special levy, Hisch feels the strain of the situation acutely. The psychological toll this ordeal has taken cannot be overstated, especially with winter approaching and no resolution in sight.
When Hisch reached out to her strata management, she learned that construction could potentially resume if the homeowners vote to continue. However, given the repeated setbacks and lack of communication, Hisch is skeptical of this promise. She perceives the request for a vote as merely a delaying tactic rather than a genuine attempt to address the community’s pressing safety and construction concerns. As a result, she finds herself in an increasingly dismal situation with no clear path forward.
Additionally, the sense of community has been challenged amid growing frustration and uncertainty among homeowners. The shared financial burden of the levy, compounded by stalled construction and lack of communication from the strata management, has created rifts among the residents. Many share Hisch’s sentiment of distrust, as the promise of improvements has turned into prolonged inaction. The residents have not only invested their savings but have also jeopardized their mental and emotional well-being in the face of mounting challenges.
Ultimately, Hisch and her neighbors are left in limbo, surrounded by evidence of incomplete work and a grim reality. The promised safety upgrades and renovations appear further away than ever, leading to a stark awareness of the fragility of their living situation. With every passing day, hope for a resolution diminishes, leaving Hisch questioning the accountability and transparency of those in charge of managing the community’s welfare and safety. The situation at Burtch Estates serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities tied to homeownership, communal living, and the trust placed in management during large-scale projects.
