Patio garden prompts flower fight between condo owner and strata council
Letter from strata says the blossoms are against the building's bylaws
A battle is brewing between a condo owner and the strata council that runs her building in New Westminster, B.C.
The complaint isn't about noise, or numbers of pets, or other common controversies — this fight is about flowers.
Blossoms first began to bud on Maryann Wadge's patio about 15 years ago.
"I think I had about eight pots, large pots, when I first started," she said.
The small outdoor sitting area is now a garden oasis, with $200 worth of flowers planted each year.
"Every person that walks by just stops and talks to me — how nice they are, how nice it makes the building look," said Wadge's partner, Kevin Gilbraith.
Ultimatum given
But now the strata council has laid down an ultimatum. A letter sent to the couple says the plants are contrary to the strata's corporation bylaws.
"Someone has made an allegation that this has ruined the look of the building and they want us to tear it all down," said Wadge.
There are plants on other balconies in the building. And Wadge said it's the first time anyone — including the strata — has objected to her garden.
"This is what's really puzzling me," said Wadge. "Why have you waited all these years? So, I'm assuming it's the new council."
The property manager who signed the letter offered no explanation. She said she's simply the messenger and takes direction from the strata council.
14 days to tear garden down
CBC News tried to contact the strata, but no one responded.
The letter from the strata council gave Wadge and Gilbraith 14 days to get rid of their garden.
That deadline was Wednesday, but Wadge and Gilbraith say they've bought themselves some time by contacting a lawyer, who has informed the strata the couple is about to take legal action.
"I don't want to say devastated given all the things that are going on in the world today," said Gilbraith. "But when you get to my age and you've got two or three hobbies left, this is a big chunk out of what I enjoy doing and what's left."
With files from Belle Puri.