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City of Whitehorse tables new bylaw to discourage abandoning buildings

Friday, 5 April 2024 13:55

By Panebi Wilson X @chonfmpwilson

Abandoned Jamieson's Building on 4th Avenue Whitehorse (Photo by Panebi Wilson)

If introduced, the bylaw would make annual permits mandatory for buildings left vacant for more than a month and would require owners to safeguard the building from fire and other hazards, maintain insurance and carry out snow and ice removal.

The City of Whitehorse tables new rules to discourage abandoning buildings in the territory’s capital. 

On Tuesday, city councilors deliberated on the new bylaw which would put in in place fees for defaulting owners of abandoned buildings to either encourage them to develop their property or sell to potential developers.

If introduced, the bylaw would make annual permits mandatory for buildings left vacant for more than a month and would require owners to safeguard the building from fire and other hazards, maintain insurance and carry out snow and ice removal.

While there are exemptions for special circumstances, such as estate challenges, illness or death, the first year's permit would cost $1,500, the next year would be $3,500, and it would go up in price over consecutive years reaching $8,000 by the fourth year and would require building maintenance every 90 days.

Bylaw Services Manager Ryan Leef said Vacant and abandoned buildings in Whitehorse pose hazards and detract from the city's aesthetics, hindering economic growth and causing concern among residents due to safety issues, unsightly conditions and vandalism. Leef also said there were more than a dozen buildings within the city limits that would meet the proposed definition of "vacant" or "abandoned. Due to increasing pressures for residential and commercial space in the city, there is a strong interest to incentivize owners to increase development activity in key locations, Leef said.

The City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott is largely in support of the idea. She said the new measures were a long time in the making and that she is pleased to see the progress on dealing with so many of vacant and abandoned buildings in Whitehorse.  She said she is optimistic of the public support for this new bylaw as it has been top of mind for many residents. These derelict buildings really are an obstacle for so much in our downtown, she said.

 Before it goes to a first vote,the City of Whitehorse councilors will continue to debate the bylaw next week.

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