Problem Property Initiative | City of Edmonton

About

The Problem Property Initiative addresses highly problematic occupied and unoccupied properties in Edmonton that generate frequent, serious complaints and/or safety concerns. Through the coordinated efforts of multiple City departments, Alberta Health Services, the Edmonton Police Service, and the Government of Alberta, three main teams present a united and consistent approach to the complex issues associated with problem properties.

Problem Property Initiative Members

Problem Property Initiative members include:

Multiple City areas:
- Community Standards & Neighbourhoods
- Development Compliance
- Fire Rescue Services
- Safety Codes, Permits & Compliance
- Social Development
Alberta Health Services
- Environmental Public Health
Edmonton Police Service
- Collaborative Policing
- Crime Disruption
Government of Alberta

Stakeholder Support is provided by:

City of Edmonton, Affordable Housing and Homelessness
City of Edmonton, Business Licensing
Government of Alberta, Child, Community & Social Services
City of Edmonton, Assessment & Taxation

Problem Properties Team (PPT)

PPT is the central entity responsible for administering the Problem Property Initiative. The team oversees strategic direction and ensures consistency through cross-organizational collaboration and information sharing. PPT also serves as the key liaison for the community and Council regarding problem properties. The team’s Municipal Enforcement Officers (MEOs) are each assigned to specific neighbourhoods most affected by problem properties, and will also investigate properties citywide.

To contact PPT, email problemproperties@edmonton.ca.

Residential Inspection Safety Compliance Team (RISC)

RISC is a multi-agency body that works together to solve issues that arise from complex residential living situations involving vulnerable individuals, families and places. The team works to achieve compliance with minimum housing standards at high risk properties and to reduce risk in the community. A Community Safety Liaison (CSL) brings an enhanced social justice lens to the team during inspections and provides direct support to people staying in or employed at problem properties.

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Community Property Safety Team (CPST)

Led by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, CPST is a new proactive approach to reducing fire risk in the city. Empowered by the National Fire Code of Canada and the Municipal Government Act, the team uses enhanced board-up and security procedures along with escalating punitive measures to hold landowners accountable for unsecured and vacant buildings that pose a fire risk to the surrounding community. Community members can report an unsecured vacant property through 311 or by emailing communitypropertysafetyteam@edmonton.ca.

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2023 to 2026 Approach to Problem Properties

In April 2022, City Council approved the 2023 to 2026 Approach to Problem Properties, providing the Problem Property Initiative (PPI) with a long-term strategy and increased one-time funding to address problem property issues within Edmonton. Developed in consultation with community members affected by problem properties, the Approach sets out practical and impactful solutions to address problem properties, including:

Enhanced enforcement and escalating consequences (for example, demolition and/or forfeiture of problem properties; potential increased tax rates for derelict properties)

Enhanced information sharing and communication tools, including a more comprehensive website and improved reporting mechanisms

Increased relationship building, engagement, and inclusion of neighbourhood perspectives in the development of solutions