The Executive Policy Committee (EPC) has approved changes to the bylaw regarding vacant building fire fines, with prices higher than initially proposed.
The decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday, with the aim of addressing the issue of vacant buildings being a fire hazard in the city.
Under the new bylaw, owners of vacant buildings will be required to pay a fine of $2,500 for the first offence, $5,000 for the second offence, and $10,000 for any subsequent offences. This is a significant increase from the original proposal of $1,000 for the first offence, $2,000 for the second offence, and $5,000 for any subsequent offences.
The changes were made after concerns were raised by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) that the initial fines were not enough of a deterrent for property owners to properly maintain their vacant buildings.
According to the WFPS, there have been 1,200 fires in vacant buildings in the past five years, resulting in millions of dollars in damages and putting the lives of firefighters and nearby residents at risk.
The new bylaw also includes a provision for the city to take over the maintenance of a vacant building if the owner fails to comply with the bylaw after receiving a notice. The cost of this maintenance will be added to the owner’s property taxes.
EPC Chairperson, Councillor Scott Gillingham, stated that the changes to the bylaw are necessary to protect the safety of the community and to hold property owners accountable for their neglected buildings.
The changes will now go to City Council for final approval. If passed, the new bylaw will come into effect on January 1, 2022.
In the meantime, the WFPS will continue to work with property owners to ensure that their vacant buildings are properly maintained and do not pose a threat to public safety.
