Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Former Minto Apt. owner launches new lawsuit against city

Jan 11, 2013 | 11:10 AM

Another lawsuit is the latest development in a new legal chapter involving the Minto Apartments in Prince Albert.

The civil action was filed Dec. 31 in Court of Queen’s Bench on behalf of Larry Markwart, the former owner of the vacant downtown apartments.

The latest legal battle, which has been fought in the courts for the past eight years, has to do with the city taking title of the property in November for unpaid property taxes.

Markwart is asking the court to return ownership to him, claiming the city acted illegally and unfairly when they proceeded with the tax enforcement process.

The six-page document alleges the city didn’t follow the requirements of the Tax Enforcement Act and breached its duty to act in good faith when it took title without Markwart’s knowledge.

“We’re going to be seeking legal counsel to handle the particular case and we’re asking no further action be taken in the meantime,” said City Solicitor Ken Paskaruk, adding it’s the fourth civil action the city has had to defend since the city imposed a demolition order and evicted its tenants in 2004.

Two previous lawsuits were struck down with a third still pending before the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. In addition to having title returned, Markwart is seeking $3-million in punitive and pecuniary revenue damages.

bbosker@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow