OWNERS of vacant or undeveloped properties are compelled by law to ensure that their properties are kept in a clean, sanitary and tidy condition, free of health risks, nuisances and hazards, safety and security risks and fire hazards.

The City council is, on the other hand, obligated by law to ensure that its area of jurisdiction is maintained in a clean, sanitary and tidy state, free of health risks, nuisances and hazards, safety and security risks and fire hazards.

Vacant or undeveloped properties must be cleaned and cleared at the owners' cost, if they fail to comply with the provisions and requirements of statutory notices that have been served on them. The costs so incurred by the council will be recovered from the owners through their rates and taxes accounts. Owners of such properties are cautioned that the cost of cleaning and clearing by the council may not be lower than the cost that may have been incurred if the owner had done the work himself.

Click here to link to the council's public health by-laws and the council's waste management by-laws for information on the requirements and provisions to regulate, prevent and remedy illegal dumping and the cleaning and clearing of vacant or undeveloped properties.

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