This upper Lantzville property on Clark Rd. W held as many as 13 RV's. The District of Lantzville says the property is now compliant, following a lengthy court battle. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

all clear

Lantzville property finally cleared after lengthy court battle

Oct 2, 2019 | 9:38 AM

NANAIMO — A contentious upper Lantzville property once home to an illegal recreational vehicle park has been cleared, but it was far from a smooth process.

The District of Lantzville confirmed a BC Supreme Court deadline was met by Stan Edward Pottie to remove the remaining vehicles from his Clark Rd. W. property by the end of Aug. 2019.

As many as 13 RV’s were on the property as recent as this past June, according to the District.

BC Supreme Court documents showed Pottie ignored several local bylaws, specifically that his property be home to a single residence.

The Regional District began enforcing bylaws in 2018, at which time people were living in seven rec vehicles on the property. A fire truck was visible from Hwy. 19 on the the back edge of the property, which promoted an on-site marijuana dispensary.

pay and ride

Popular e-bike sharing program launching in Nanaimo

5h ago

exemption required

'Give the police the tools they need:' Provincial government again looking to ban public drug use

7h ago

24/7 support

Major supportive housing complex set to open in Nanaimo

9h ago

Pottie ignored a pair of subsequent BC Supreme Court rulings and was found in contempt of court both times, despite a six month extension granted by a Judge on Nov. 20, 2018 to clear out the property.

A statement to NanaimoNewsNOW from the District said Pottie’s property had been non-compliant for more than two years, leading to numerous complaints.

The BC Supreme Court removal order included two deck structures attached to RV’s.

Pottie was fined $7,500, and risked a further $10,00 fine if he didn’t comply to court orders by the end of Aug., court documents showed.

Pottie contended the structures provided affordable housing.

He unsuccessfully lobbied earlier this year to Lantzville council to rezone the property to allow 10 RV’s and pads.

Pottie had a failed mayoral bid for Lantzville in the 2018 municipal election.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes