Updated: Tue Jun. 28 2011 17:10:50

ctvcalgary.ca

A group of Calgary condo owners want the government to step in to help them deal with repair bills that are in the tens of thousands of dollars.

There are so many problems at the Bella Vista Condominiums, at 1899 14A Street S.W, that owners are facing repair bills from special assessments that are between $77,000 and $187,000.

Owners say the problems include a building envelope failure as well as issues with the roof, balconies, and eaves.

The condo owners are in shock, and are waiting for a report from lawyers.

In the meantime they're trying to figure out how to come up with the money that is needed to repair the building.

"I'm shocked. I'm still shocked, I don't know, I'm just confused and I don't know how something like this can happen to people,' said Mohsen Nejati, condo owner.

"I know a lot of people want to know that legal action is gonna happen and we are pursuing that avenue," said Robin Weseen, Condo Board President.

The costs for repairs are unmanageable for many as most of the condos are only worth about $200,000. 

People started moving into the complex in 2002 and even though the building isn't that old, any home warranties that were issued have long since expired.

Numerous companies have been involved in the project over the years and a number of contractors have had a hand in building it. Therefore, deciding who is to blame for the problems may be hard to prove.

Liberal MLA Kent Hehr says the government also needs to accept responsibility for the situation. "Duping the consumer into buying substandard goods and substandard homes, this has gotta end. We're about to head to another construction boom, and the government's gotta act and act soon."

The government has proposed changes to new home warranty programs and bigger fines for shoddy construction.

Hehr says those proposals don't go far enough and wouldn't have protected the residents of Bella Vista.

New homes and condos are only covered by a one-year warranty.