City Cracks Down On Two Derelict Properties

A pair of property owners found themselves in the crosshairs of City Hall as part of a crackdown looking to clean up what they see to be long-term derelict properties.

1008 Alder Avenue

Council seemed to be in a non-forgiving mood when it came to this property located just north-east of the Downtown core. With the property being called a long-term problem.

“We have provided the information to Council as we know that (we are taking) a more serious look at derelict buildings within the city and have worked our way through the list of them. And this is one of them that have been on the list for quite some time. Some work has been done but not certainly all things we are looking to complete,” city manager told Council.

The report to Council stated the property had been the subject of previous “Property Maintenance Orders issued in April 2013, June 2016, and May 2017. The owner has previously obtained building permits in 2013 and 2016 to complete the necessary repairs.”

Speaking in defense of the appeal was property owner Blair Zopf. Zopf has owned the property for 40 years. Only the main floor of the building is presently occupied by Mr Zopf’s mother.

Blair Zopf appeared before Council - MJ Independent photo

“I know I have been remiss keeping up with the place,” Zopf said appearing by Microsoft Teams, adding “I had a contractor start and he quit on me…(I am) willing to comply and get this property up to snuff.”

Zopf asked for more time as he required an engineer to make a report on the property and with the snow not melted at that time and it hindered an engineer from getting a good look to submit a required structural report.

He made a request to put the order off until June to facilitate a report promising “until that time I am not going to sit around…I will take care of some painting and getting it looking good.”

“I just like some time to apply I have been doing some work off and on,” Zopf said.

Council then heard that there was tenant in the house but it was his mother’s home.

Planning director Michelle Sanson said her department was willing to work with Zopf but they would like to see a shed on the property removed because of the shape it was in.

Zopf pointed out that the building spoken about was 100 percent on the property and had allegedly been clipped by the garbage truck on more than one occasion. He point out the alley way was not owned by the City.

During the abortive moves to transition to curb side garbage collection one of the arguments made was a large section of the Avenues in the NW and NE sections of the city were not City-owned but the laneways are in fact private property subject to owner closure at any time.

“This did not happen overnight…if you look at the house there are things he could have done,” Councillor Jamey Logan said. “Just driving by it does not look like anything has been done.”

Councillor Dawn Luhning said it was up to Council to enforce the rules.

“It is my duty in my opinion (to make sure you) look after your property,” Councillor Luhning stated.

Councillor Doug Blanc expressed safety concerns about the property.

“My other concern is that staircase on the east side as it goes to nowhere…I have some real concerns about that staircase,” Councillor Blanc said.

A staircase to nowhere was a concern expressed by Councillor Doug Blanc - City of Moose Jaw photo

Sanson recommended that Council authorize time to complete the repairs but not as long as June that Zopf had requested. She asked Council to approve an immediate move to obtain a building permit, one month to submit the engineering report and one month to complete the work or the City would take action to demolish the home.

Councillor Luhning stated the report showed building permits had been previously issued “and nothing done.”

Councillor Kim Robinson spoke up in favour of not moving too fast as the home was occupied at the present time.

“An immediate order would displace this person…my concern is someone is living in the place,” Councillor Robinson said.

It was a point backed up by Councillor Crystal Froese.

Puffalt said “perhaps the extension is appropriate to move this along…I am fearful to do this (as it) may linger on and then we will deal with it months and months down the road.”

Mayor Fraser Tolmie spoke out against granting an extension.

“We did give Administration (the task to) deal with some properties in the community…now we are delaying things and delaying and delaying.”

Councillor Heather Eby spoke out in defense of neighbours who have had to live next to derelict properties.

“There are many of these issues in our community and they are being dealt with….many people have been living beside them for years and years…it is not that I am heartless,” Councillor Eby said.

In the end Council voted five to two - with Councillors Luhing and Eby opposed - to grant Zopf until April 8 to produce an engineer’s report and until May 15 to complete repairs. Non-compliance could mean the City commences demolition of the property.

1129 Albert Street

Council voted unanimously to OK demolition of the Albert Street home.

Council was told there should be no extensions granted to repairing the property as it had been on the books since 1987.

“I have driven by this property lots, it seems abandoned. Nobody has lived in this place for a long period of time,” Councillor Crystal Froese said.

Nobody appeared before Council about the property.

1129 Albert Street in January 1992 - City of Moose Jaw photos