VANCOUVER BC – A local homeowner’s long-standing desire to build a backyard fence has finally become a reality, but not without an unexpected twist: it took nearly two decades to secure approval.
In 2004, Hubert Dubois first submitted a request to City of Vancouver permit office to install a modest fence four foot structure in the front yard for added privacy and security. At the time, City of Vancouver was proposing new development guidelines for the neighbourhood which caused delays in the approval process. Little did Dubois know, those delays would stretch into a bureaucratic saga spanning 19 years.
“I initially thought it would be a matter of weeks or months,” Dubois recounted. “But as the months turned into years, I started to lose hope. Eventually I gave up and forgot about it until I received the letter last week.”
The letter in question was from the City of Vancouver development office, stating that after years of deliberations, revisions to zoning laws, and procedural backlogs, the fence request was officially approved.
The extended timeline was partly due to a series of administrative hiccups, including misplaced paperwork, staff turnover, and shifts in municipal leadership. At one point, the original proposal was deemed “inactive” but was reinstated after a concerned staff member uncovered the file during a routine audit.
“I laughed when I opened the letter,” Dubois said. “I mean, who waits 19 years to build a fence? I’d moved on, but I guess the universe had other plans.”
By the time the approval arrived, the homeowner’s needs had changed. Children who once played in the yard and prompted the fence idea are now adults. His wife passed away, and the neighborhood itself has evolved.
The letter stated that Dubois must pay $11,255.80. Eighty five dollars and eighty cents (85.80) for the fence permit and the remainder for additional review and application extension prior to proceeding.
“I have no intention to build the fence or pay the city the $11,255 dollars” said Dubois. “ the house is for sale”
The saga has sparked interest among neighbors and local officials. Many of whom expressed disbelief over the length of the process. Local council member Fry acknowledged the delays and vowed to improve the system. “No one should have to wait nearly two decades for such a simple request. We are working on streamlining our procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
