Administrator appointed to help restore, secure Pleasant Hill condo

An administrator has been appointed to help restore a troubled condominium in Saskatoon's Pleasant Hill neighbourhood to the point where it can be reopened, after being shut down last month by the city's fire department.

The Prairie Heights Tower, located in the 1400 block of 20th Street W., was a residence with few problems as recently as 2015, but over the last several years, issues like drug use, violence and squatting became constant at the building. 

A recent ruling from a Court of Queen's Bench justice found the board responsible for the condo, the Prairie Heights Condominium Corporation, has "ceased any meaningful existence," resulting in further problems.

Early last month, the Saskatoon Fire Department shut the building down, telling the remaining occupants they would have to leave.

Fourteen units in the 44-suite building were affected by that closure, with the remaining 30 already vacant or boarded up. 

Clayton Barry, a lawyer with Saskatoon law firm McDougall Gauley, has been appointed as administrator of the building, with a term lasting at least 180 days. 

According to the appointment, designated by Justice Richard Elson, the administrator will have the ability to collect condo fees and bring enforcement action against those who are not in compliance.

Reached by phone on Saturday, Barry said he's in the "early stages" of the work required to fulfil the tasks and obligations as outlined by the courts. As administrator, he's required to submit a report for review within 90 days.

Take a tour inside a troubled Saskatoon condo tower

4 years ago

Duration 2:49

Emergency services were called to the Prairie Heights building more than 500 times last year. They were called for fights, fires and floods. People who own units in the tower on 20th Street say it's a nightmare.

The report will include his initial findings, what steps have been taken to "re-activate" the condo board and what further steps need to be taken. This includes suggestions for how to ensure the security, repair and maintenance of the building, alongside options for potential funding.

While the total cost associated with restoring the building so it can reopen is unknown, owners of the condo owe nearly $58,000 for necessary safety repairs that have been completed at the direction of the fire department so far.