Residents can report problem houses

Kim Krushell had a long list of ideas when she ran for Edmonton city council in 2004. And now, in her final week on the job, she’s checking off the last item on that list.

Krushell was on hand at City Hall Tuesday to talk about the residential compliance team (RCT), a new initiative that will mandate one-year business licences for more than 2,000 secondary suites, single family houses and homes operating as group homes or lodging houses.

Krushell says the program — the first of its kind in Canada — will empower Edmontonians to report problematic homes in their neighbourhoods.

“It’s actually happening, it is in place,” said Krushell, who isn’t running in next month’s civic election.

City workers are already inspecting those homes and are targeting a backlog of problematic houses where most complaints arise. After an official launch expected next February, the city website will feature a web page and a hotline to report problems like unmowed lawns, unshovelled walks, fire hazards or illegal boarding houses where more than six unrelated individuals are living.

The city is still determining how complaints will be processed and how violations will be handled, said Gail Hickmore, general supervisor for development approvals at the city. “Our intent is to not close them down, but to ensure that they fit into the neighbourhood and that they have the same safe opportunity as everyone else in Edmonton,” she said.

Krushell says having the ground rules will also make it easier for the city to approach communities with the prospect of new group homes.