A ‘nuisance’ property in the Hart is slated for remedial action after months of complaints, all ignored by the property owner.
Council voted unanimously to declare the property at 7003 Adam Drive a hazard, and to require the property owner to demolish and remove the structure by April 30.
Remedial measures are commonplace for the city, however, this is the first time a file has been elevated to council’s level in the nuisance abatement and cost recovery bylaw process.
The bylaw is designed to protect communities from properties that meet the definition of being a nuisance — not just by appearance but the behavior of the occupant as well.
The trailer itself, currently abandoned, has been boarded up, and there are multiple derelict vehicles in the yard, including two now-empty campers.
There are several sheds full of broken appliances like lawnmowers and washers.
“This is one of the worst properties that I have ever seen,” said Bylaw Services Manager Charlotte Peters at tonight’s (Monday) meeting.
“Based on my previous experience as a police officer, this residence is what I would determine as a flophouse, or, very simply put, a crack house.”
In this case, Peters says they have been trying to connect with the owner, registered as Ian D. Peters, since March of last year.
“Throughout the entire process, we have never once made contact with the property owner. It has always been a nominee or an occupant,” she explained.
“The owner has never stepped up.”
Since August, the RCMP have responded to 45 calls for service, first responders have been called for one fire and four overdoses, and bylaw enforcement has been called 17 times.
Peters says many of the tenants on the property have been recognized and identified as prolific offenders, with ‘extensive’ criminal records — though it remains vacant, many people still come and go from the property.
“I have no reason to believe the criminal activity is going to stop because of this,” she said.
Multiple fines have been issued to past tenants — and ignored — she added.
The property was also confirmed to be in the process of foreclosure, postponed from COVID-19.
In addition, door-to-door mail service was cut off in the area last year as well, due to several pitbulls threatening mail carriers.
“These dogs had charged the postal workers on multiple occasions resulting in termination of mail service to the neighborhood,” said Peters.
“Animal Control Officers investigated this matter and mail delivery service was finally restored in mid-December.”
The new bylaw would allow the city to charge the owner for municipal services, costs, and expenses including attendance by Bylaw enforcement, police, and firefighters, recovered as a debt owed to the city.
This debt, if unpaid, would be transferred to property taxes at the end of the year.
“There are neighborhoods all over the community that would look at a bylaw like this and take some hope that we are going to go in there and clean it up, and the owner is going to pay for it,” commented Councillor Brian Skakun.
Other Councillors shared their support.
“It’s a risk, we might spend more money on this than we get back, but I think it’s a risk worth taking. It’s affecting the residents of the community and allowing for a lot of crap to be happening that just shouldn’t be happening in our city,” said Councillor Kyle Sampson.
“I have no patience, sympathy or empathy for people like this, who allow properties like this to go on,” he added. ” I say throw the book at them. Let’s go as hard as we can.”
If the owner were to ask Council to reconsider, he would have to submit his request by April 12.
Otherwise, the deadline for remedial action is set for April 30 at 5:00 pm.
Meanwhile, Council opted to delay voting on a request for $250,000 dollars from the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club to host two upcoming world championships.
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