Resolution gets near on derelict home

Notorious house on Winnipeg Street is expected to be imminently vacated

Penticton City’s bylaw officers paid another visit to 377 Winnipeg Street on Friday.

This time, it was to go over what the next steps will be in carrying out an eviction of the remaining tenant, said neighbour Matt Taylor.

He’s hopeful that a resolution has been met now that the landlord is on board to follow through with the eviction.

“The landlord has committed to follow through. The affected parties have agreed on the next steps and a resolution seems to be in hand,” said Taylor.

He commends enforcement agencies for their continued attention placed on the notorious home that has been subject to an “excessive number of calls for health and safety, trespassing and drug and crime-related incidents.”

This has been a difficult couple of years for neighbours of this rental property, which has seen several arrests and safety issues.

“We are thankful the landlord is now coming to the table.”

Taylor said 377 Winnipeg is systematic of a much-greater issue that citizens, and all levels of government, need to have plans in place on how to handle these social problems.

“Address the softer social needs but these kinds of situations need structured enforcement as well,” he said. “But, we all need to be accountable and the community needs to support it.”

City spokesman Philip Cooper said a visit by RCMP on Aug. 1 was intended to check up on goodneighbour bylaw issues, plus fire and life-safety concerns.

Cooper also confirmed the property owner has served a courtapproved order of possession to enforce an earlier eviction notice.

“One tenant remained inside the property but indicated they will be vacating soon,” Cooper said, in an earlier statement.

“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.

Power and water were cut to the ramshackle home in the spring as a result of non-payment of utility bills.

Several downtown restaurants and pubs complained of tenants from the home coming and using their sinks and toilets, without making a purchase.