'Lawyers have to get involved': Derelict buildings in Miscouche face demolition

The new chair of the community of Miscouche, Ivan Blanchard, says one of his top priorities will be dealing with four derelict buildings.

Last Tuesday, Blanchard was voted in to lead the community of about 900 people.

"We have some abandoned properties in Miscouche that are neglected and are a hazard to the neighbours," said Blanchard. The four buildings are all in the same general area, he noted, but declined to say where that is nor namewho owns them.

Blanchard said the community will now start legal proceedings to tear the buildings down.

"It takes quite a bit of time and effort to dispose of a property like a building. We just can't go in there and tear it down. Lawyers have to get involved, we have the time frame, and if they don't then down the road we can but it takes a year or two."

Blanchard also hopes to see sidewalk paving completed onthe last 400-metre stretch on Kelly Drive a project the community has been working on for the last three years.

The community has agreed to donate $15,000 dollars to the St. John the Baptist Catholic church for painting, Blanchard added, noting the historic building is a focal point in Miscouche.

Blanchard has lived in Miscouche for 14 years and has served as vice-chair on the community council. He reluctantly agreed to put his name forward as chair after the previous chair resigned. He ran unopposed.

Blanchard plans to remain in the postuntil November 2018.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS IMan and woman charged after thefts from vehicles
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS I'This is my bit': Woman marks more than 3 decades of hospital volunteering