Police, bylaw pay another visit to problem home
Only 1 tenant left at 377 Winnipeg St.
Life is becoming increasingly difficult for one remaining tenant of 377 Winnipeg St.
Four bylaw officers, one Mountie and a fire inspector all descended upon the downtown Penticton home Wednesday morning.
City spokesman Philip Cooper said in a statement the visit was intended to check up on Good Neighbour Bylaw issues, plus fire and life-safety concerns.
He also confirmed the property owner has served a court-approved order of possession to enforce an earlier eviction notice.
“One tenant remained inside the property (Wednesday) but indicated they will be vacating soon,” said Cooper.
“The enforcement partners have another inspection planned soon to follow up.”
Cooper said the city intends to board up the property and arrange for its cleanup once the last tenant is out. Regular security patrols have also been implemented to deal with any other issues around the property.
Penticton RCMP spokesman Const. James Grandy said the Mountie was on scene Wednesday at the request of the bylaws department simply to provide a police presence.
Power and water were cut to the ramshackle home in the spring as a result of non-payment of utility bills.
Tenants to whom The Herald has spoken have denied any illegal activity on the junk-strewn property, which sees a steady stream of visitors day and night.
But a neighbouring landlord has twice taken his concerns to city council, alleging drug dealing, trade in stolen property and more.