City gives owner deadline to repair crumbling townhouses

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This article was published 24/05/2024 (470 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The owner of four Winnipeg townhouses that were deemed structurally unsafe by the city — forcing all tenants to move out — has been ordered to carry out specific repairs by June 26.

The row of rental homes on the 300 block of Arnold Avenue, between Osborne and Nassau streets, must remain vacant until “corrective actions” are taken, as per new orders issued by city hall this week.

Neighbour Justin Pauls wasn’t pleased to learn the same owner could possibly resume renting out the units, as long as upgrades are completed to the city’s satisfaction.

“I think it’s a really low bar. This is not progress,” he said of the city orders. “It’s just shocking to me that our city is powerless to enact things that will hold people accountable and responsible for their actions. This (owner) shouldn’t be renting properties.”

In April, owner Alen Planincic lost an appeal of an order to vacate.

Aside from structural deterioration, neighbours said the townhouses in Lord Roberts were a constant source of problems, such as drug dealing, assaults and thefts by some tenants or visitors, when occupied.

They worry the problems will resurface if the units are rented out again by the same owner.

Pauls is considering selling his house and moving.

“I can’t live beside that anymore,” he said. “People have been moving out of this neighbourhood for a reason.”

Pauls said there should be stricter rules for landlords or requirements to become one, given they are responsible for the health and safety of tenants.

He and longtime neighbour Russ Wreggitt would prefer to see the townhouses torn down and replaced with new homes.

“It doesn’t fit in the neighbourhood, which is a pretty nice neighbourhood and always has been,” said Wreggitt. “It’s certainly dragging the neighbourhood down.”

The city’s newest orders require the owner to repair exterior walls and repair or replace front stairs, rear decks and porches, and soffit, fascia and eaves.

Combustibles must be removed from two townhouses. One requires the installation of a handrail.

Failing to comply with the orders could result in an inspection fee, charges in provincial court and/or a $1,000 penalty added to property taxes, said city spokesman Adam Campbell.

A fifth townhouse, which has a different owner and a Nassau Street address, is not subject to any municipal orders.

City staff are staying on top of the situation involving the Arnold Avenue homes, said Sherri Rollins, the local councillor (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) and chair of council’s property and development committee.

She said orders are issued in a bid to get properties repaired and made safe again for occupancy.

Rollins said staff from multiple departments have paid “innumerable” visits to the townhouses.

“It is a nightmare for the neighbourhood,” the councillor said. “It’s been a constant source of worry. It’s been a constant source of disruption for them.”

In the last two years, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has responded to more than 20 emergency medical calls and at least three fires, the city has said.

Earlier this year, the city ordered the Arnold Avenue townhouses to be vacated by Feb. 23. Each townhouse has two units.

The province issued health hazard orders for six of the eight units.

Neighbours said the last remaining tenant moved out a few weeks ago.

Inspectors discovered hazardous conditions, including structural deterioration and a lack of proper fire protection, which pose a risk of harm, a city report said. The report cited exposed electrical wires, rotten or slanted stairways, potential water leaks and evidence raw sewage may have leaked from a second-floor suite into a main-floor kitchen. A section of the east exterior wall had crumbled.

The city also said electrical, plumbing and structural projects were completed without permits.

Last month, the property and development committee rejected Planincic’s appeal of the order to vacate. The committee heard from neighbours, who described how the property has degraded their quality of life.

Appearing via video, Planincic told the hearing he is taking steps to fix the townhouses. He denied the homes were repaired without proper permits and approvals.

His lawyer submitted a document denying hazardous conditions.

Last year, the committee denied the owner’s earlier appeal of an order to carry out safety repairs at the property.

Planincic could not be reached for comment. Neighbours said they were told he does not live in Winnipeg.

He was named in a recent small claims case pursued by Manitoba Hydro, which alleges an unpaid bill of more than $4,600. The matter was given an August court date.

City staff, meanwhile, have been asked to explore the possibility of introducing new or tougher enforcement options for violations related to unsafe building conditions.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca