Wabush homeowners say retaining wall is a development disaster
Some homeowners in Wabush have been told by the town that their backyards aren't safe.
A letter was sent to 80 homes on one side of Snow's Drive in the western Labrador town, alerting them that a retaining wall that was built in their backyards by the developer could collapse.
"As of Friday, we can't go near our wall, we can't put up a fence. We can't put any accessory buildings because of the safety issue," said Mike Stuckless, the owner of one of the affected properties.
Residents on the other side of the street were told that the slope in their backyards is unsafe, and could cause a landslide.
Homeowners in that area have watched their lawns disappear, with some losing a metre of land last spring.
The bulging, buckling retaining wall is in a new development, that was built about three years ago.
Some residents are calling it a development disaster.
Stuckless said he feels frustrated and upset.
Legal issues being addressed
Mayor Colin Vardy said the town isn't aware of issuing any permits for the retaining wall.
"The wall was not requested by the town — nor am I aware of any permits that were pulled for that wall," he said.
Vardy said lawyers are now involved.
"We sent some people down to have a look at it. We requested engineered drawings. That's currently under review, and we're speaking to our legal team to ensure that the drawings are up to spec and what's installed is what's engineered."
The town referred follow-up questions to its lawyer.
Colby Construction developed the lots on Snow's Drive, and built the retaining wall that runs the length of the street. The company told CBC News they were unable to comment at this time.
