Problem properties have been a long-standing challenge in Edmonton. They can have serious, harmful impacts on the communities around them and the people living in them. They often are in significant disrepair, are unlivable, or attract repeat criminal activity.

For years, concerned Edmontonians called for stronger measures to deal with problem properties. That’s why the City of Edmonton developed a plan to address these places, in consultation with people impacted by them. In January 2023, the Problem Property Initiative (PPI) was launched to clean up properties, secure or demolish unsafe buildings, and uphold housing standards at high-risk properties.

From January 2023 to December 2024, the PPI conducted more than 14,000 inspections at over 1,800 unique properties.

Cleaning Up and Creating Space for New Development
The City of Edmonton’s focus on cleaning up and demolishing problem properties is contributing to neighbourhood vibrancy and paving the way for redevelopment. By addressing neglected and unsafe properties, the PPI is helping to ensure that neighbourhoods continue to be desirable places to live. 

The PPI has coordinated 394 property cleanups and 10 demolitions, removing 1.63 million pounds of debris and hazardous waste from Edmonton neighbourhoods. All costs related to this work are billed to the problem property owner.

Furthermore, tickets issued by PPI enforcement officers, along with a higher tax rate for derelict properties, are making it increasingly costly for owners to neglect their properties. Following interventions by the PPI, 379 properties were demolished by their owners. Of those demolished properties, 205 have since been redeveloped or have submitted applications for development permits.

Reducing Fire Risk in Neighbourhoods
Fires in unsecured vacant properties are a significant risk to the community and first responders. The PPI has a dedicated team to reduce this risk by securing - and holding landowners accountable for - unsecured vacant buildings that pose a fire risk to the surrounding community. 

The team has inspected 927 properties that were known or suspected to be unsecured and vacant. Where needed, 366 properties were secured with the related costs billed to the property owner. Over 300 of these properties have since been demolished by their owners. This work has led to a significant decrease in structure fires in vulnerable neighbourhoods.

Supporting Vulnerable Populations
The PPI is committed to ensuring housing standards are met at high-risk residential properties and that vulnerable tenants are supported. The PPI helped connect 156 vulnerable individuals or families to 123 different service agencies for financial, medical, mental health, or basic needs support. Additionally, 81 people, including 37 children, were successfully rehoused from unlivable properties.

Expanding Efforts Across Edmonton
The PPI has a data-driven focus on the neighbourhoods most affected by problem properties. In 2023 and 2024, proactive resources were dedicated to eight core northside neighborhoods, like McCauley and Alberta Avenue. This year, 15 neighbourhoods will receive the same attention, including five on the south side. Community members from these neighbourhoods were informed of this expansion at a public meet-and-greet in October 2024.

To learn more about the Problem Property Initiative visit edmonton.ca/ProblemProperties. To report a problem property, visit edmonton.ca/ProblemProperties or call 311. To report an unsecured vacant property email communitypropertysafetyteam@edmonton.ca or call 311.

Information provided by the City of Edmonton.