The city is considering by-law enforcement to ensure closed buildings
Two full time by-law enforcement officers being considered to make sure vacant buildings in St. Catharines are secure, and nobody can break in.
This would be 2-year pilot test run, to respond to city wide problems, which included the Standard building fire.
Councillor Greg Miller noted vacant land provides no value to a city. "We have suffered for a long time from a scourge of speculators, of landlord real estate speculation, that allows properties to sit vacant, and increase in value, as real estate market value went up and up, and through the roof, while contributing little in return to its community."
However, some councillors say property owners who keep buildings secure shouldn't be fined, despite recurring break ins.
Councillor Kevin Townsend says the YMCA has been repeatedly broken into, despite many repairs. "So, to penalize these building owners, that own the building, and have them continually fined, I have concerns with that. Because, some of these business owners are struggling in the downtown right now."
He adds more police officers makes sense, as opposed to by-law enforcement.
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