WATCH: The woman who handed out building permits in Vancouver has resigned after being caught breaking some of her own rules. Leigh Kjekstad reports.
The person in Vancouver responsible for enforcing building bylaws has resigned after doing home renovations without a building permit.
“At the end of the day, this was her bylaw, she enforces it everyday. It’s not something we could maintain the public confidence in the officers who do that work,” says Penny Ballem, Vancouver’s City Manager.
“There are some instances and occurrences where there’s a mistake that you can’t escape from. That’s the sad thing about this.”
Carli Edwards was Deputy Chief Building Official for the city and had worked for the city in 17 years before resigning on December 10.
At issue was a renovation she did to her own home without power. The exact renovation isn’t known, but the city’s website says any plumbing, electrical, gas work, or structural changes or repairs need permits.
An email complaint was sent to the city on November 21, prompting an internal investigation. Edwards cooperated with the investigation and will receive a six-month severance package of around $68,000.
“There are literally thousands of people doing small home renovations at all times and not going and getting their building permits,” says Mike Klassen, a government relations expert.
“Perhaps it’s time to start a conversation over whether we need to review the rules.”
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