Committee calls for city to seize Captain John’s
Posted September 9, 2013 9:09 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The city is one step closer to seizing Captain John’s, the iconic floating restaurant at the foot of Yonge Street.
The boat has been docked at Lake Ontario for over 30 years – and owner John Letnik has been in arrears in his taxes since 2002.
The city’s government management committee met on Monday and decided that the ship will be seized to pay off the more than $750,000 owed to the government.
The city will partner with the Toronto Port Authority and Waterfront Toronto for the seizure and sale. City council will debate the matter at a meeting on Oct. 8.
Last year, the city cut off water to the boat last but Letnik was allowed to keep his boat docked in the harbour. It has remained closed to tourists and customers ever since.
Letnik says the only way he will leave his boat is by force and has even stated in the past that he would chain himself to the vessel.
According to a report in the Toronto Star, even if a court order is granted, seizing the boat could be a lengthy process. It took more than two years for a similar case in Newfoundland to be settled.
What should be done about the ship? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
