The City of Prince George has voted to uphold City administration’s suspension of the business licence of the Connaught Motor Inn for three months.
City Hall held an appeal hearing this morning, calling several witnesses including RCMP Superintendent Warren Brown who spoke about problems surrounding crime, drug use and prostitution.
Brown said the Connaught Motor Inn attracts more police attention than all other motels and hotels in the city combined.
A WorkSafeBC spokesperson added that the motel is a hazard to its workers through crime, mold and asbestos.
Property owner Joe Carhoun protested the suspension claiming that he is hearing many of the complaints for the first time, and that he simply needs more time to make fixes. He also claimed the motel is the victim of its location, something Superintendent Brown disputed by saying the property is a hub for criminal activity.
City Councillors did not buy that claim, with Brian Skakun calling the whole situation “pathetic” and that the property owners “give absentee land owners a bad name”
Councillor Merrick pointed out that the business is taking “much more out of the City’s coffers that it returns”
Mayor Lyn Hall says this move is a continuation of Council’s drive to clean up derelict property all around the City.
Multiple councillors said they were encouraged by Carhoun’s promises to clean up the site, but moved forward with supporting the suspension unanimously.
Any monthly tenants at the motel now have a month to find new accommodation under the residential tenancy act. The Inn has until September 30th to meet several conditions or risk losing its business license all together.