The City of Prince Albert wants to address derelict properties around town by examining a new tax subclass. “We have too many boarded up houses in the city,” said Ward 6 Coun. Blake Edwards at Monday’s executive committee meeting. “We have too many homes that have had fires that are being left and not being dealt with, or maybe they’re being dealt with but not quick enough.” The idea of a new tax subclass is based on an initiative applied in Edmonton that councillors have been discussing. Councillors say the goal is to incentivize property owners to maintain or demolish their properties with the end goal of minimizing the number of derelict properties in Prince Albert. Ward 8 Coun. Darren Solomon echoed Edward’s observation. “I do want to continue this discussion, because I think we need to deal with our derelict properties,” Solomon said. “As I walk in my ward, there’s some that I’m just shocked, to be honest.” Councillors suggested using a bylaw to address “nuisance” properties as well. The committee discussed a bylaw that could mandate security on the owner’s dime for properties that see active trespassing. Following a lengthy discussion, the executive committee voted unanimously for administration to prepare a detailed report on the specifics of adding this subclass. The report will include a clear definition of a derelict property and an examination of why Prince Albert’s current system is not producing desired results. Edwards has a timeline in mind and said he “would like to have the bylaw implemented prior to budget.” The subclass would apply to commercial properties as well as residential.
