An Esquimalt couple says their dream of home ownership has turned into a nightmare because of a decision made by their local government behind closed doors.
Justine Semmen and Walter Ash bought a house in Esquimalt earlier this month, hoping to start their family here.
They did their homework, even making sure plans for a new sewage treatment plant would be nowhere near their house.
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But less than a week after taking possession, they found out that the land across the street had been purchased by the regional district for a potential second sewage plant.
They did not know about it because the decision had been made ‘in camera’, which prevented officials from releasing any details until the deal was done.
“My feeling is that the CRD had a duty-of-care to us as residents of the region and as people who were actually making an important financial transaction, based on the information that the CRD had given us,” said Semmen. “So our feeling is that actually extends beyond the property exchange between Wilson Foods and the CRD, but also extends to the neighbours.”
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