Hope – While waiting for the BC Ombudsman to make a decision on the District of Hope , the Ministry of Transportation , Chawathil First Nation and the demolition of the of Hope Train Station — comes another twist.
A stop work order on the demolition.
From the Facebook page – Hope for the Station House – Public Information Page and re-posted by Christian Ward:
GOVERNMENT STOP WORK ORDER – SUCCESS!! So much work has gone into the campaign to save the Hope Station House, and to elevate our concerns to those in power. Seeing this ‘in the flesh’ means a huge amount. The campaign is not over and Station House supporters will be engaging with the Ministry during this timeframe, but at least we can take a breath and enjoy the fact that we now have this amazing support for our Station House’s heritage significance.
The argument was from a number of issues including the viability of salvaging and perhaps moving the station to another site. Also, who has the authority for demolition and is it worth saving under heritage rules.
Background from FVN stories are here.
Richard Linzey of the Provincial Heritage Branch / Heritage BC issued the stop work order. The Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resources is part of this issuance. This is in effect for 120 Days ( August 12)
While this was released, Hope Council voted unanimously to move forward with removing the heritage designation of the Station House. A public hearing and final and third reading is expected May 10. Of concern for may is, should the station be saved, who pays for the renos.
You can view the District meeting of April 12, here.
