Pubdate: Thu, 18 Mar 2010
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 Abbotsford News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/BkAJKrUD
Website: http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Vikki Hopes

TIM FELGER EVICTED FROM DOWNTOWN ABBOTSFORD STORE

Pot activist Tim Felger was forced out of his downtown Abbotsford
store Tuesday afternoon, but he's not going willingly.

Felger fought the eviction order when it was presented to him by a
bailiff last Friday, sending the building's owner, Dan Banov, back to
court Monday to have it reworded.

The new document was presented Tuesday, and Felger had no grounds to
fight it.

He now has until Tuesday, March 23 to remove all his contents from Da
Kine, located at 33770 Essendene Ave.

"It's a victory to me - a costly victory ... Now it's a question of
moving on," Banov said.

Felger, however, said he will be back. He plans to appeal the eviction
early next week, claiming he is co-owner of the building, and said he
will return to the store within two weeks.

"I don't have to move ... I own half the building and sometimes, as a
man, you have to fight."

Meanwhile, Banov has painted over the political statements that
covered Da Kine's windows. The word "closed" is prominently displayed.

Banov, a retired teacher and Maple Ridge resident, and Felger both ran
for the Marijuana Party in the 2005 provincial election. Banov said
that, after the election, he agreed to buy the building and rent it to
Felger so he could continue to promote the issues around the
legalization of marijuana.

Banov is now suing Felger for almost $53,000 in back rent and sought a
court order to have him evicted. Felger has appealed the case,
claiming his rent is paid in full.

Banov said he is still deciding whether he will continue to pursue the
issue of back rent.

"Trying to get him (Felger) to pay is a whole other
issue."

Felger was arrested and charged last May - along with two others - for
allegedly trafficking pot to teens out of his store. The matter next
comes up in Abbotsford provincial court on March 24.
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