Says he’s hoping council makes “progressive” decision
Cathy Dobson
Kirkland Blake cannot understand how a single complaint about a tent on his property can undo all the hard work he’s put into his business.
The 12’ X 30’ tent is integral to the success of Blake’s Ultimate Detailing, he says.
When he opened his business three years ago, Blake erected one large tent and two small ones next to his shop on leased property at the corner of Colborne and Lakeshore roads.
The tents are used for car storage and to provide a secure place to keep cars clean once they’ve been detailed, he said. “They are essential to my business model.”
The model was working well and Blake said business was good until mid-October when a city bylaw enforcement officer came to the property and told him there was a complaint about the location of the tents and the number of cars on Blake’s property.
“He told me I was violating a bylaw and to remove the tents. I explained why I need the tents and he said that wasn’t his priority,” Blake said. “He said he’s just there to enforce the rules.”
Blake said he asked if the bylaw enforcement officer could investigate and come up with a solution to satisfy all parties.
“I said there’s got to be some discretion. It got a bit heated after that,” he said.
A few days later, Blake arrived at his shop to find an order taped to his door telling him he had until Nov. 10 to remove the large tent or face legal action.
The city’s correspondence dated Oct. 23 said anyone found guilty of violating the bylaw could be fined up to $25,000 on a first conviction and $10,000 on subsequent convictions.
It said the tents are accessory buildings permitted in the rear yard only with setbacks and lot coverage requirements for each. Accessory structures can’t exceed 10% of the lot coverage. The order said Blake’s large tent to the east of his building was to be removed immediately.
On Nov. 10, Blake said he went to city hall to apply for a minor variance for the tent but was told a survey was required.
“So much money for that and so much red tape,” Blake said. “If people are concerned about small business and all the jobs they bring, this city needs to be more progressive.” He left city hall without filing the application.
“I decided to go public with it,” he said.
A change.org petition to oppose the city order was signed by more than 1,650 people in six days. Another petition on the counter at his shop has just over 100 signatures.
People are coming to his shop to sign, sometimes crowding in, with words of encouragement and support, Blake said.
“The amazing thing is that people are taking the time to come to sign it,” he said. “They are making me feel appreciated.”
Blake said he was considering closing by the end of the month if he gets fined but now he wants to fight it. He’s requested a chance to speak before city council on Monday, Nov. 20.
“I don’t understand why city hall is making me jump through hoops,” he said. “I’ve worked hard and built something up from scratch and now they want to do this to me without any consultation.
“How can one complaint stand up against hundreds of people who support me?
“It’s very frustrating.”
Blake’s Ultimate Detailing employs four full-time people and an additional six part-time employees in the summer.
Attempts were made by The Journal Monday afternoon to reach Sarnia’s bylaw enforcement supervisor but calls weren’t returned before deadline.