Fate of derelict building in Nanaimo remains uncertain

Nanaimo building becomes hub for squatters After it was destroyed by a fire in March, a historic building in the Nanaimo’s downtown sits idle and can only be entered by hazmat crews.

Concern is growing in Nanaimo over a building that continues to sit neglected and unused, months after it was destroyed by a fire.

The Jean Burns building on Commercial Street burst into flames on March 30.

The once historic structure that sits at one of the city’s key intersections can now only be entered by hazmat crews.

Rick Hyne with Crankshaw Holdings Ltd owns the building and said progress has been delayed due to insurance issues.

There’s also been ongoing trouble with looters and squatters.

“They ended up breaking out the glass door in the front,” Hyne told CTV News. “This morning they had broken in again, this is a daily occurrence.”

Mounties have responded to nine calls since the fire.

But according to the city, Hyne is responsible for hiring security.

“People need to realize if we’re spending thousands and thousands of dollars on security and boarding up, that’s less dollars that we have to build,” Hyne said.

On Monday council voted to wait 60 days to see if there’s any progress.

People in the area fear the burned out building will sit abandoned, much like another one across the street.

The former A&B Sound has sat idle for the last eight years.

“This is our main street corner right here. In fact we have two eye sores, that A&B Sound building and now this,” one man said.

There’s also concern over health hazards.

“The smell of mould is so strong, that can’t be good for people when they walk past,” said Dave Lawrence, owner of That 50’s Barber Shop.

Hyne said eventually he plans to tear the building down.

For some business owners the rebuild of Nanaimo’s downtown can’t come soon enough.

“I want this area to be inviting for my customers, not looking like a boarded up ghost town,” Lawrence said.

With a report from CTV Vancouver Island's Jessica Lepp