Earlier this week I had a chance to reconnect with a neighbour, Melanie (Video Link), who for the past five years has been struggling with a problem property next door to her, which has finally now been demolished.
In 2022, my colleague, Councillor Ashley Salvador (Ward Metis), moved a motion to have the city develop a plan to tackle the issue of problem properties. The motion passed and we are already seeing results such as a reduction in structure fires.
Learn more: https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/problem-properties-of-edmonton
I want to be clear, these properties are not merely unsightly, poorly kept, or party houses. These are abandoned, vacant, or derelict homes that pose an enormous safety risk to the community, especially due to fire. All properties must maintain minimum property standards as set out in the Community Standards bylaw and Municipal Government Act.
The demolition of a privately owned property is a significant undertaking and legal process that is not taken lightly by the City. Only if the property is assessed as unsafe structurally and the legislative authority to proceed is present, would the demolition process be initiated.
Report problem properties if you are aware of them, and talk to your neighbours and friends to make sure they know about this program and that they can report too.
Because City Bylaw operate on a complaints-based system, and officers rarely have time for proactive policing, it is critical that you are the eyes and ears of your neighbourhood. If something seems off, say something. If you see a bylaw issue, please use 311 or contact my office and please make sure your complaints are documented. Pictures especially (which you can upload using the 311 app) with specific details are very helpful and help save time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw_wbWf2i4I
This unprecedented event park/CRL extension should be put forward to taxpayers as a municipal referendum this upcoming municipal election and I will be moving a motion to advance this opportunity.
Wherever we are in the city, we all deserve to feel and be safe. Public health is a foundation of public safety. When people feel healthy and experience less pain, they are more likely to contribute positively to the community.
Over the last year, every week on Tuesday, the city of Edmonton and public health partners have set up a pop-up health clinic in west Edmonton, to take care of people experiencing homelessness. In addition to health improvements, clinic presence has contributed to a stronger sense of safety in the area, with fewer visible health crises and less gang-related activity reported.
