City council action is needed to address concerns about a local property that has attracted numerous visits from bylaw officers and police since 2019, a new staff report indicates.
The report going to council on Monday, Nov. 18 urges councillors to order property owners Leah Rose Dubois and Brian Joseph Dubois to immediately cease what are described as "disruptive activities" at 389 Nicholson St. The home is located between 2nd Avenue and 5th Avenue.
According to the report from Eric Depenau, director of administrative services, Bylaw Services has responded to 17 separate complaints at the home over the past five years, many of which were substantiated by evidence from neighbours, the report states. The issues have included numerous complaints regarding garbage, unleashed dogs and loud disturbances.
In addition, the RCMP has been involved in multiple investigations related to drug trafficking, including the recovery of stolen vehicles and the seizure of illicit substances and firearms during several search warrants at the property.
These issues have contributed to a significant drain on public resources, the report continiues.
"Despite multiple interventions, the situation has not improved, and we are now seeking a formal order to halt these nuisance activities," Depenau wrote.
The city’s Nuisance Abatement Bylaw 8940, which was introduced in 2018, allows council to issue such orders and to recover the costs of addressing the nuisance if the property owners fail to comply.
In response to these ongoing problems, the city sent letters to the property owners in August 2024, informing them of the nuisance abatement process. The owners were given until Sept. 15 to address the issues, but no significant changes were reported.
If approved by council, the city will move forward with a formal order, which will be delivered to the owners along with a notice that the city may recover costs through liens related to any necessary cleanup or enforcement actions.
"Bylaw Services has been working closely with the RCMP on this file, and we are hopeful that this order will bring about meaningful change," Depenau wrote.
The owners will have an opportunity to address council Nov. 18.
