Problem properties targeted for new affordable housing

City staff propose $1.5M plan to redevelop derelict buildings

The City of Edmonton is proposing a grant program to convert five problem properties into affordable housing in a bid to clamp down on squatting and drug labs in abandoned homes.

Through the pilot project, which is expected to cost the city $1.5 million, non-profit housing groups would purchase a commercial or residential property of concern in a neighbourhood and turn it into homes for families struggling to afford the traditional market price. The funding would come from the city’s current affordable housing reserve and not increase the tax levy.

Grant funding for up to 40 per cent of construction costs would then be provided by the city to redevelop the buildings from scratch, which could allow for an increase to the number of residential units if zoning permits. Councillors will vote Monday on whether to move forward with the program.

“The redeveloped housing will respond to the needs of Edmontonians experiencing housing affordability challenges,” said a city report released Thursday. “The pilot program would prioritize properties that involve frequent bylaw infractions and neighbour complaints, the presence of alleged criminal activity and/or calls for emergency service, or are boarded up and/or derelict residential properties.”

Abandoned homes used for squatting or drug labs have been an ongoing problem in several of the city’s core neighbourhoods. They are often boarded up and require frequent visits by police.

At a meeting last October, residents frustrated by the situation pleaded with the city to take action. This grant program is part of a 30-point plan, also being presented to council next week, to address these properties.

The primary intent would be to purchase properties up for sale through court order or foreclosure in order to avoid any tenancy issues or the ability for owners to use the sale proceeds to acquire another property to operate in a similar manner, the report said.

Properties will need to be vacant or tenants must be on a short-term lease that expires prior to redevelopment.

Downtown Ward 6 Coun. Scott Mckeen said he loves the plan, but would prefer to see a mix of housing options to uplift neighbourhoods.

“I’m really thrilled administration recognized problem properties as a high priority. They damage entire blocks of communities if not more, they are like an infection,” he said.

“Some communities really need an injection of vitality. By that I mean families, couples, individuals coming in that will be able to help the communities rather than the community helping them.”

The city will also seek council’s approval Monday to sell four slices of land for $1 apiece to Homeward Trust for the development and operation of 150 supportive housing units.

These four sites, currently undeveloped city-owned fields, are spread out in communities outside the core. They are located at: 6503 101 Ave. in Terrace Heights, 8120 93 St. in King Edward Park, 14125 137 Ave. in Mcarthur Industrial and 12312 112 Ave. in Inglewood.

Meanwhile, the city announced further COVID -19 relaunch plans

Thursday, including the ability to apply for an event licence for modified events up to 100 people. This could include drive-in movies, concerts, graduation ceremonies, weddings and community events.

All events on public land with more than 50 people require a licence from the city and licensing has been paused since mid-march due to the pandemic. Events must follow the province’s guidelines including a maximum of 100 people, enhanced hygiene protocols and physical distancing, the city said in a news release.

A limited number of picnic sites in the city’s river valley will be available for booking online beginning July 4. The Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, which includes the city’s archives, will reopen to the public July 2.