Nick Torzsas of Pelham, Ontario has been collecting cars, boats, trailers and other assorted items for over 30 years. His collection includes a 1981 Cadillac and a 1986 Mustang with the crown jewel being a 1998 convertible Corvette. The Corvette stands out as being the same model that was the pace car for the 1998 Indianapolis 500 and was named North American Car of the Year in ’98.
Unfortunately, Nick’s collection has run afoul of local ordinances and he has been ordered to clean up his property. Failure to clean up the property will result in fines and possible impounding of some of the vehicles.
The Welland by-laws allow for a single “hobby repair vehicle” to be on the property where repair is actively being performed. Other than that, all vehicles manufactured after 1950 must have current, valid tags on the license plate and be in running order. Once notified of a violation of the by-law, the owner has to comply with the ordinance or face fines of up to $5,000 and the possibility of having vehicles impounded.
Google Maps shows a clear view of cars and boats scattered around Nick's yard. If he were to organize these into a structure then he would be in compliance with local by-laws.
One of the challenges faced by any collector is finding a place to store and/or display a collection. If Nick had all of his prized cars stored in a barn or even a car port he wouldn’t be racing to figure out what to do with his collection. He’s already sold a Miata that he loved but isn’t sure what to do with the rest of his collection.
During an interview with the Welland Tribune, he provided letters from neighbors stating they don’t mind his collection and argued there are lawns in worse condition than his. Sadly, neither of these arguments address the fact that he is violating the local by-laws and needs to clean up his act. At 70 years of age, I hope he can work out a plan that not only allows him to keep his prized possessions but also finds a way to preserve and present them as the treasures they are.
