Family feud over Fort St. John farm winds up in court

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A B.C. Supreme Court judge settled a family feud over a Fort St. John farm in favour of the company founded by the original owners.

Cameo Farms sued Janet Kelly Baldwin – one of the children of the late Doris and Jerry Baldwin – and Paul Williams, who have occupied the property since Doris’ 2015 death.

Doris and Jerry bought the property in 1977 and transferred it to Cameo 10 years later. Doris became the sole shareholder in 1992.

In April 2016, Cameo transferred Doris’ shares to Laurie Jean Baptist, her daughter and the executor and trustee of the will made in 2008.

Cameo originally filed the notice of claim in 2018 and an application for a summary trial in 2024. The case was finally heard last August.

In a December 9th ruling, Justice Dennis Hori agreed Cameo owns the farm, the defendants Baldwin and Williams must vacate the property within 30 days and, if they fail to remove personal property, Cameo may dispose of it.

The defendants are also liable for any costs of enforcing the order.

Hori found Cameo is both the legal and beneficial owner and there was no evidence the defendants had interest in the property or a valid lease.

“An injunction restraining the defendants from remaining in possession of the property is not necessary,” Hori wrote. “The order requiring the defendants to deliver possession of the property to Cameo is sufficient.”