There’s always two sides to every fence especially
when it comes to who should paint it.
Council requested more information before they
make a decision on whether they will direct staff to
paint a fence that faces village property.
Walter Despot, former Keremeos Mayor and current
chairman of Lower Similkameen Community
Services requested the village paint the side of a
fence facing the village office between the office
parking lot and Tumbleweed Terrace.
The fence is approximately 88ft long and requires
a clear coat to stop sun and weather beating.
Despot guessed the fence would only need to be
painted every two years.
“Sixteen people live in low income housing. We
keep it neat. That fence needs a second coat now or
we’re going to lose the fence to damage,” he said.
Mayor Bauer said the request would have to
be received in writing before council could make a
decision. He also requested staff to investigate the
number of other properties owned by the municipality
that are adjacent to land that is fenced.
“It is precedent setting. I don’t think it’s something
we can give a verbal yes to off the hip,” Bauer
said. Despot referenced the municipality’s recently
enacted Good Neighbour Bylaw and implored the
village to be good neighbours themselves.
“I realize this is precedent setting but how many
of your properties that the next door property is
fenced are next to not-for-profit societies?” Despot
asked. “”Again let’s go to being a good neighbour.”
A report about fences adjacent to village property
will be prepared for a subsequent council meeting.