The City would like to clarify inaccuracies that were recently reported in the local media regarding Mr. Hapapci, a man who claims to be on a hunger strike in response to errors made by the City during his building permit application. He also claims no one is helping him.
These claims are false.
Mr. Hapapci hired a consultant to do permit drawings on his behalf. The consultant he hired was the applicant for this building permit. Building staff reviewed and approved drawings that were sent in by the applicant. However, the work was not constructed according to the permit documents, so staff requested that new drawings be provided.
The applicant working on behalf of Mr. Hapapci requested that the permit be cancelled, which staff in the Building Department did. Subsequently, staff were told that there was an altercation between Mr. Hapapci and the applicant.
Over the last 17 months, multiple staff members have made themselves available to Mr. Hapapci, his wife and their contractor. In addition, he has dealt with the Mayor’s Office and CAO Office.
There has been no fault in this permit process by City staff. The three building inspectors that attended the site have over 55 years of combined experience and are the City’s most experienced commercial inspectors. Also attending the site with City of Barrie inspectors were two experienced Barre Fire and Emergency Services staff members.
While the City maintains no wrongdoing in the processing of this application, in recognition of the unique situation, as a gesture of goodwill, the City is prepared to waive the application fees for the resubmission of the building permit. However, for safety and compliance concerns, proper drawings will be required to be submitted to the City for the approval of the project.