Town of Battleford targeting unsightly properties

“I do them in rounds… doing inspections and then issuing letters,” said Thompson, adding he has been putting in extra effort to ensure people meet the property standards requirements.

“We do receive complaints about certain yards in particular, but I do make patrols around to try to spot those yards to see where the attention is needed,” he added.

He said most of the owners who received notices have acted to improve the situation with “only the odd one” not complying.

Now into August, Thompson already has another 20 orders for residences with property standards violations.

He said he usually finds on average he has to send about 20 orders a month to property owners for infractions.

Thompson notices untidy properties are scattered throughout the town that don’t meet the standards, not just one area.

When hunting for offenders, Thompson scans the property to see if trees are hanging over onto municipal areas or over sidewalks, to start.

“You look for other items such as unkempt and uncut lawns, and weed growth, or bushes or trees that are out of hand,” he said.

The special constable said properties need to be tidy both in the front and back of the residences.

Junk vehicles are also a problem.

The town considers any vehicles on people’s properties that are dismantled, or missing a windshield or various parts, for example, and are unregistered and inoperable, as junk and unsightly, and need to be removed.

Thompson said the biggest problem in general is unkempt yards, but he understands when there are special circumstances that prevent people from complying.

“There are people who do get ill and can’t maintain their yards,” he said. “That would be a factor, and we would go easy on it because not every family is the same. In life, things change or somebody passes away, and then the family is distracted. You try to take into account everything, and help the residents as best you can.”

For people going on holidays, Thompson recommends they plan ahead and make sure their grass is cut before they leave so it won’t become overgrown while they are away.

Thompson said there are many reasons why it’s important for people to keep their properties tidy, not just for aesthetic purposes.

“It keeps the town looking clean and neat,” he said. “It avoids excessive rodent infestation. If somebody doesn’t maintain their yard, a lot of time rodents will move in.

“It affects the overall property values if someone doesn’t take care of their properties. Then, it reduces the value of the property, and it affects the surrounding land and buildings,” he added.

When residents have a build-up of debris on their properties it also creates a fire safety hazard.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by battlefordsNOW

Town of Battleford targeting unsightly properties

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