 | E-mail this story |  | Write letter to editor |  | Order a classified ad |
| E-mail this story | | Write letter to editor | | Order a classified ad |
 Despite a stop-work order that has been in effect for three weeks, construction crews were still busy at work Monday, building a 108-unit apartment complex. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo |
The order was posted at the site Sept. 8, after four Yellowknife residents appealed the development permit for the project, which is being conducted by Nova Builders. The residents are appealing the project because they say it violates the 1996 general plan, which does not allow for residential development on the site.
Construction of the controversial apartment building has not ceased, however.
The city's maximum daily fine for building while a stop-work order is in effect is $100.
A construction crew was observed Monday, hard at work above what will be the first floor of the 108-unit complex.
On the same day, director of public safety and development Dave Nicklin, told Yellowknifer, while the department has yet to issue any fines, they likely will if Nova Builders continues to work on the site. "The fines can be retroactive," said Nicklin.
"I expect sometime this week there will be some information coming out about it."
City councillor Bob Brooks warned that the construction company is taking a serious risk if it continues to build.
He said if the development appeal board -- which will hear the appeals Oct. 7 -- rules against the development permit, theoretically the company could be forced to tear the whole project down and start over from scratch.
The size of the fine, is something city council may want to debate, he added.
"If it happens to be a backyard project or whatever, ($100) might be more than appropriate but if a particular developer is doing it on purpose, without any regard for the penalty, then it's obviously not working," said Brooks.
Nova Builders president Mike Mrdjenovich, who has a history of ignoring stop-work orders, declined to comment.
City needs to do more
Tasha Stephenson, one of four residents appealing the project, said the city has to do more to ensure developers follow the rules. "I feel forced into playing the game with the appeal process because that's the only way the city will listen to us," she said.
