A Toronto homeowner, Brian Kieller, has found himself embroiled in a lengthy dispute with City Hall over a construction project next to his historic row home in Little Portugal. Kieller discovered that part of the newly constructed wall next door encroached several inches over his property line, causing concerns about future maintenance liabilities. Despite his efforts to address the issue with the city, he feels frustrated by the lack of accountability in the permitting process.
Kieller’s situation is not unique, as property line encroachments have become more common in Toronto, especially with the rise in additional construction projects like laneway units. Saša Krcmar of Krcmar Surveyors Ltd. highlighted the importance of addressing boundary issues before construction begins to avoid complications down the road.
Kieller’s experience underscores the need for homeowners to be proactive in protecting their property boundaries. Krcmar emphasized the significance of obtaining a survey before any neighboring construction occurs to prevent potential disputes. He stressed the importance of open communication with neighbors to clarify property lines and prevent future conflicts.
Despite seeking compensation from the City for the oversight, Kieller faces challenges in holding them accountable for the error. Krcmar believes that the City should take responsibility for ensuring projects adhere to property boundaries and rectify any discrepancies to protect homeowners like Kieller.