After 17 years in Chestermere, Dr. Giggles House of Pain may be leaving the city.
The family behind the haunted house launched a petition as it faces eviction from its home behind the Chestermere Rec Centre.
Two years ago, the house was dealt with a similar situation when they were moved out of their driveway due to municipal regulations.
"We approached the Chestermere Rec Centre, and they thought we would be an excellent fit there," said Mike Koroll, who runs the haunted house. "So, they said they'd get us in this first year before getting a long-term lease signed with Rocky View County. Well, Rocky View had different plans."
Rocky View County owns the land that the Chestermere Rec Centre sits on. According to Koroll, the county has given several reasons as to not wanting to sign their lease, including the group not having non-profit status, and not operating for the full year.
"We're typically building the sets throughout the summer, so it's more than just doing something for one month out of the year. We have youth out there, we're mentoring, and I'm teaching them prop design," added Koroll.
The main issue with moving is the cost. With permanent power and several ATCO trailers on cribbing, the cost could easily reach over $100,000 just to move out, Koroll claims.
"We'd need to get a crane out there; we'd have to get flat deck trucks. We'd need an electrician and cribbers. We would need to split the buildings and board everything up before moving it God knows where," said Koroll, stating that it costs $35,000 a year just in decorations.
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The owner said that the issue comes from administration with the county and claims that they have not been given a straight answer on why they can't continue operating at the rec centre.
Since starting back on October 5, the petition has already garnered over 1,000 signatures. Koroll said that he would be handing the petition into the county once it has ended.
"Does it just fall on deaf ears? I'm not sure, but at least it shows that we have a lot of people that support us," added Koroll. "It really has become a staple, and that's not me bragging. I'm extremely proud of everyone who has been a part of it and helped it become what it is."
Dr. Giggles House of Pain is an adult-centered attraction and brings in over a hundred guests every single day.
Despite the conflict, the house is still running until early November.
StrathmoreNow reached out to the county for comment, but no one was available before our deadline.
