City of Chilliwack ordered to pay extra for land

The City of Chilliwack is on the hook for an extra $220, 000 for the Irwin Block property at 5 corners.

The City expropriated the land two years ago, a process which allows it to take possession of private property for public use while paying fair market value.

The land has been sitting vacant for several years, and the City paid owner Xing Chen $600, 000 for it.

However Chen took the City to court claiming the land was worth $1.1 million, and also asked for $700, 000 in damages.

The court ruled against the damages claim but did say the City undervalued the property, and ordered it to pay the full $820, 000.

The land is to be part of the City’s revitalization plan.