Problem Property Initiative

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About

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

Problem Property Initiative Centralized Office (PPICO)

PPICO is the central entity responsible for administering the Problem Property Initiative. The office oversees strategic direction, ensures consistency through cross-organizational collaboration and information sharing, and serves as the key liaison for the community and City Council. PPICO includes a Program Manager, Neighbourhood Advisor, Data Analyst, and a Community Safety Liaison who brings an enhanced social justice lens to inspections and offers support to people staying in or employed at problem properties. The office supports the work of all the specialty teams, each of which plays a unique and complementary role in addressing problem properties.

To contact PPICO, email problemproperties@edmonton.ca

Problem Properties Team (PPT)

PPT consists of Municipal Enforcement Officers (MEOs) who are each assigned to the neighbourhoods most affected by problem properties and who will also investigate properties and derelict buildings citywide. These MEOs proactively identify and quickly address problem properties before they escalate. They also develop relationships, attend community meetings and co-create solutions based on the specific needs of their assigned neighbourhoods.

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.

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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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Organizational Chart

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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

History of the Problem Property Initiative

Problem properties have been a focus of concern for the City of Edmonton for many years. In 2018, the City recognized that addressing the complex issues associated with problem properties required a collaborative, inter-jurisdictional effort. As a result, the Residential Living Governance Committee was formed; later renamed the Problem Property Initiative (PPI).

In 2019, consultation with stakeholders and community members began to help further strategize solutions. Out of this, an Action Plan was developed and officially supported by City Council and a problem property redevelopment grant was established.

By 2022, the long-term Approach to Problem Properties strategy was developed and two, one-time funding packages helped establish the Community Property Safety Team, an innovative approach to reducing fire risk and the creation of a centralized office to oversee the PPI. Additionally, new specialty teams were established and dedicated enforcement and community safety resources were added.

In early 2023, enhanced enforcement and escalating consequences were introduced including a streamlined path to demolition of problem properties. As the PPI work continues to grow, additional focus and priority areas will be identified based on the strategy.

PPI Timeline

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