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City gets more power to deal with derelict buildings

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 12/2/2009 9:46 PM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

WINNIPEG — The province has introduced legislation to give Winnipeg and other municipalities more power to deal with vacant and derelict buildings.

The new law would streamline the process Winnipeg must follow and reduce overall timelines to redevelop and revitalize properties. At the same time, credit unions and banks that might have an interest in problem properties could continue to take action to protect their investments.

Currently, the City of Winnipeg has authority to take ownership of a vacant and derelict property if the owner fails to repair and keep it in a safe condition after being provided ample opportunities to comply. The city has the authority to repair or demolish the property, or turn it over to community groups for redevelopment.

Winnipeg’s authority to take title to vacant and derelict properties is unique in Canada. It asked for this authority in 2002 and now with several years of experience, has identified and asked for changes to the legislation to improve its effectiveness, said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux in introducing Bill 3 Wednesday in the legislature. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities also asked for this same power to deal with vacant and derelict buildings.

This new tool would complement other existing municipal revitalization and redevelopment tools, such as municipal tax increment financing as well as the ability to provide tax credits, loans and grants, the province said.

"Extending this new tool to all municipalities would recognize the revitalization of our communities is a key municipal priority," Lemieux said.

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