A decision on the fate of a $400,000-plus building purchased by the City of Courtenay last year hopefully will be decided within the next six months, said the City鈥檚 director of legislative services.

John Ward noted while he personally has not been in the former Bridge Lounge building, located at 90 5th Street - at the foot of the Fifth Street Bridge - he understands it to be in the same condition as when purchased by the City, and that no restoration work has been done.

Through a court-ordered sale, the City purchased the property in March 2016 for $410,000, from owner Nicola Webb.

According to BC Assessment, the 6,054 square foot facility built in 1965 has a total assessed value of $431,00, with $177,000 assessed for land, and $254,000 for the building.

Ward noted it would be premature of him to comment on any future plans for the building, since Courtenay council has not had the opportunity to consider plans, but he estimated that might happen within the next half year.