Northern Ont. man defies eviction threat, vows to remain in self-built dwelling

A Cache Bay man fights to stay in tiny shed he built, saying it's ideal for his health & finances while the municipality says it doesn't meet building code.

A Cache Bay man is vowing to remain in the 15-by-15 foot structure he built on his own property, despite the Municipality of West Nipissing’s threat to padlock the door for building code violations.

John Ridge says the tiny shed is the ideal living situation for his health and financial circumstances, but officials warn the unit is not legally permitted as a residence.

Question of safety vs necessity

Ridge, who often suffers from seizures, purchased the property in 2022 after a house on it burned down. He constructed the shed himself, equipping it with heat, water and electricity. He calls the modest scale of the home a feature, not a flaw, given his medical condition.

“You’re taking apples and oranges where you’re taking this really small space and trying to compare it to a two and a half story house with an attic and a basement and that just really isn’t comparable,” he said.

Municipal officials, however, say they are bound by law to enforce building standards.

“We’re bound by provincial legislation and national legislation when it comes to the Building Code Act,” West Nipissing CAO Mike Pilon told CTV News.

“That is in place for the protection of the actual resident and to assist with the liability of the municipality.”

West Nipissing Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon emphasized that the enforcement is a provincial mandate, distinct from municipal council’s role.

“It is important to note that this enforcement role is assigned specifically to the chief building official and inspectors by the Building Code Act, which is a provincial law,” she said in a statement to CTV News.

“Council does not have a role under the Building Code Act or the Building Code in decision-making on building permit applications or the issuance of orders.”

Specific violations hinder legal residency

The municipality discovered multiple code deficiencies last fall. Issues include insufficient insulation for extreme temperatures, the lack of a four-foot footing foundation and an improperly sized drainage vent.

Ridge said he connected the shed’s drainage to the remnants of the previous home’s system but acknowledges the shortfall.

“My vent is only about 32 inches and it has to be 42 inches,” he said.

“So, I’m going to add to that.”

The core issue is that the building permit is for a shed, not a dwelling. The municipality has threatened eviction if the unit is not brought to code.

While a neighbour offered an RV for accommodation, a local bylaw prohibits using such mobile units for residency outside of designated parks.

Community support clashing municipal process

Ridge’s situation, shared online by a friend, has sparked widespread support across northern Ontario and into Ottawa.

In response, one neighbour has offered him a place to sleep if needed.

Pilon met with Ridge recently to discuss safety concerns and options should eviction proceed.

“He reassured me that he’s going to be vacating the property,” Pilon said.

The municipality stresses it does not intend to oust people into the cold but emphasizes the necessity of proper permits. However, it urges that people need to understand building codes and permits before starting construction.

“Right from the hub, if they are honest with the municipality, we will do our level best to assist them as best as we can with providing a roadmap to the rules and codes,” Pilon said.

Rochon said that while enforcement is independent, concerns can be relayed.

“However, it is appropriate for municipal councillors or staff to direct concerns regarding the safety of buildings to building officials, so that they can take action as they see fit,” she said.

Final stand on his own land

With a meeting scheduled for Monday to seek a resolution, Ridge’s future remains uncertain.

His desire is simple: to live peacefully on the property he owns. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the small structure he feels safest in.

“I’m prepared to stay here,” he said.

Whether he can remains entirely contingent on bringing the unique dwelling into compliance with building code standards he currently disputes.

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