These houses continue to be a focus of concern for area residents and ARECA.

Broken-down and in a terrible state of disrepair, they present a clear and present danger to anyone who chooses to enter them. The City is aware of this, as are police, the Fire Department and local residents. 

For the past six months, Councillor Stintz has been attempting to have the abandoned homes demolished, but a by-law that prohibits demolition of existing residential structures prior to application(s) being received to replace them, has blocked such action to date.

Including, but beyond demolition of the houses, there is also concern about what kind of structure(s) may be erected on the site in the future, so that the character of the community is maintained. Councillor Stintz, City Planning, and the developer are engaged in ongoing discussions that will hopefully resolve these issues in the relatively near future.


Duplex and Orchard View soon to be safer ... MAYBE NOT!
                                                                                       Updated - March 2005
In November, 2004  an arrangement had been made for the derelict buildings, a major concern to many, to be demolished. Our Councillor, Karen Stintz, was instrumental in leading the way on this issue and leading both Community and City Councils to go against a staff recommendation not to permit the demolition.

We have now learned these unsafe and unsightly buildings may not come down!

It seems the owners of the buildings have changed their mind and do not want to spend the money to make the land safe.

ARECA believes this is wrong and in bad faith. People, including many residents, a member of the ARECA Board and ARECA itself as well as Councillor Stintz went out on a limb and have been betrayed. Council itself granted special permission and the owners have chosen to turn their backs!

What do we do now? We encourage you to write, telephone, fax, or email Councillor Stintz and let your disappointment and dissatisfaction be heard!