Pubdate: Tue, 16 Mar 2010
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Christina Toth

EX-MAYORAL CANDIDATE FELGER DODGES EVICTION

Missing Papers His Saving Grace

An attempt to evict Abbotsford pot activist and perennial political
candidate Tim Felger from his Essendene Avenue "bookstore" fell flat
when the lawyer for the building's owner failed to produce a writ of
possession.

On Jan. 25 building owner Dan Banov obtained a court order under the
Commercial Tenancy Act and the Business Corporations Act to have
Felger removed 33772 Essendene Ave., after March 1.

Banov told the Times earlier he agreed to let Felger use the property
to use in a campaign to end the prohibition of marijuana, a cause
Banov also supported. The two were candidates for the Marijuana Party
in 2005. But Felger didn't pay his rent, and Banov said he owes at
least $52,750 in back rent as of October 1, 2009.

The storefront is decorated with a gaudy cartoon and anti-government
slogans, and is generally seen as an eyesore by the local downtown
community. Felger has had his business licence revoked and has been
charged with trafficking pot. Locals and police are suspicious of the
young men in hoodies who come and go from the venue day and night.

Banov arranged a bailiff service to carry out the eviction order on
Friday.

Area business operators watched the scene unfold from a coffee shop
across the street as three police patrol cars pulled up at about 12:15
p.m. Several officers escorted a bailiff and Felger into the ground
floor of the building. Banov's lawyer also arrived.

After about 40 minutes, however, all parties came out and soon the
bailiff, the lawyer and the police left.

Banov said later his lawyer did not have the required writ of
possession.

The eviction may be carried out on another day, but Felger suggested
he isn't going without a fight. After the drama was over, Felger came
out of the building with several large files, saying he has proof he
owns the building.

"People don't understand I have a million dollars at stake here. But
nobody wants to listen," he said. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D