THE PROBLEM PROPERTY INITIATIVE
The City of Edmonton’s Problem Property Initiative (PPI) addresses occupied or unoccupied,
residential or commercial properties that have a significant harmful impact on the surrounding
community and/or those living in them. These properties have a history of recurring violations
relating to development permits, safety codes, nuisance conditions, public health, fire risk, or other
illegal activity and/or criminal offences. They’re often complex in nature and generate an
extraordinary demand on services.

Through the coordinated efforts of multiple City departments, the Edmonton Police Service,
Alberta Health Services, and the Government of Alberta, several specialty teams play unique and
complementary roles in addressing the different issues related to problem properties.
The Residential Inspection Safety Compliance Team (RISC) is a multi-agency team that provides a
coordinated, wrap-around approach to complex residential living situations involving vulnerable
individuals, families and places. The team works to achieve compliance with minimum housing
standards at high risk properties, support vulnerable tenants, and reduce impacts in the
surrounding community.

The Community Property Safety Team (CPST) is a team of Fire Prevention Officers that secure –
and hold landowners accountable for – unsecured vacant buildings that pose a fire risk to the
surrounding community. If owners do not comply with an order issued by CPST to secure a property,
the team will carry out the work itself, with all costs charged to the property owner. This work can
include robust board ups, fencing and up to 24/7 on-site security.

The Problem Properties Team (PPT) is a team of Municipal Enforcement Officers that address the
external, physical conditions at seriously neglected private properties. While working city-wide, PPT
has a data-driven focus on the most affected neighbourhoods. If an owner does not comply with an
order issued by PPT to remediate a neglected property, the team can coordinate the work itself, with
all costs charged to the problem property owner. This can include property cleanups and the
demolition of smaller buildings such as garages that are assessed as derelict and unsafe.

The Demolition Assessment and Response Committee (DARC) is a committee that combines the
regulations and enforcement approaches of four City branches (Community Standards, Fire Rescue Services, Legal Services, Safety Codes) to streamline the path to the demolition of larger unsafe
derelict properties. DARC assesses and prioritizes properties for demolition and identifies the most
effective legislation to expedite demolitions where required. The property owner is also accountable
for the costs related to these demolitions, which are billed to the tax roll.

Mature Area Derelict Residential Tax Subclass
Edmonton is the first city in Canada to make a tax subclass for derelict properties as part of a larger
effort to combat problem properties and encourage neighbourhood vibrancy. Designed to
encourage owners to improve or demolish their properties, the Mature Area Derelict Residential Tax
Subclass allows the City to triple the tax rate for owners of properties that show serious signs of
neglect, are falling into significant disrepair or are unlivable. If a property that has been assessed as
derelict is fixed or demolished partway through the year, the owner is refunded the difference
between the regular and higher rates for the portion of the year after the property is remediated.
Defining problem properties

Problem properties include those that:
● have a history of repeated or excessive neglect, disrepair and/or safety concerns
● have a history of deliberate violations and/or noncompliance by property owners or tenants
● are a significant public health risk and/or a higher risk of fires
● are abandoned and unsecured and may be accessible to the public
● require a coordinated response from several agencies

Problem properties do NOT include those:
● with simple nuisances or occasional bylaw violations (e.g., long grass, garbage out too early)
● where civil, non-criminal disputes take place (e.g., with landlords, neighbours or contractors)
● that are vacant, but secure and in compliance with all City bylaws
● in good condition that a community member might find “unattractive”
● on public land, including public land encampments

Report a problem property
● To report a problem property, call 311, contact 311 online or use the confidential reporting
form at edmonton.ca/ProblemProperties.
● To report an unsecured vacant property, call 311, contact 311 online or email
communitypropertysafetyteam@edmonton.ca.

Additional Resources
● PPI Booklet
● PPI web page: edmonton.ca/ProblemProperties
● Mature Area Derelict Residential Tax Subclass web page: edmonton.ca/DerelictSubclass.
● To keep informed about how the City of Edmonton and its partners are addressing problem
properties, please register at PPI Newsletter.
● For general inquiries, email problemproperties@edmonton.ca.