[Update: The property pictured has since been cleaned up]
As regular readers of this column are too well aware, I am troubled by unsightly streets and gardens, overflowing garbage cans, and weeds growing where they ought not to grow.
I therefore could not resist an invitation last week from Global TV to comment on a front page Province newspaper story about vacant properties along Cambie Street.
The story reported on local resident Todd Constant’s concerns about the loss of his neighbourhood, which is changing from an area of manicured mid-century single-family homes to mid-rise apartments. His other concern, however, was that many of the properties awaiting redevelopment are being left vacant and subject to squatters, graffiti, late night parties and crime.
The newspaper story and subsequent media attention prompted many to question what should be done to ensure that vacant properties are properly maintained, and those living in neighbourhoods undergoing redevelopment who do not want to sell, can stay without being disturbed.
Before the interview, I visited the properties in question and was reminded of a 1960s Toronto practice known as “blockbusting.”
At the time, downtown properties were being assembled for highrise apartment redevelopment. When a property owner was “holding out” or otherwise not willing to sell, unscrupulous developers would fill the neighbouring properties with rowdy tenants or vandalize them to “encourage” the holdouts to sell.
While I have no reason to believe anyone is deliberately blockbusting along Cambie Street, I could not help but wonder why any property owners would allow the houses to become so derelict. I am also troubled by the increasing number of neglected houses in other city neighbourhoods.
On Blenheim Street, near Marine Drive, is a property once known for its beautiful garden. Today it is completely overgrown with weeds. What makes this so remarkable is that two Sutton Realty agents have “For Sale” signs stuck in the weeds.
I contacted one of the agents to tell him I thought the situation was most disrespectful to the neighbourhood. While this house will sell for lot value, I thought the owner should at least cut the grass. I also suggested that as a realtor, he too had a responsibility to ensure the property was maintained as long as his sign was on it.
He apologized and promised to review the situation. But nothing has changed.
If the garden is not tidied up, I intend to file a grievance with the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver naming the two agents. I would urge other Vancouver residents faced with similar situations to do the same.
I also urge residents to contact the City of Vancouver by phoning 311. The city has bylaw 4548 to prevent the existence of untidy premises. While I often wonder why the city is not taking better care of its own streets and parks, it has the ability to ensure that private properties are not allowed to become derelict.
I would like to conclude by sharing an email message I recently received from a colleague who is a landscape architect.
He writes: “I’ve been meaning to send you a note since I read your column about litter. Have you ever been to Rwanda? It’s an unbelievable place. After such a recent genocide (about 1 million people killed in 90 days 20 years ago), when I was there last year I was struck by the positive outlook of the country in general. There was a palpable sense of pride and unity and everyone spoke very positively about the president.
“Anyway, as of last year and hopefully still, the last Saturday of every month is called General Cleaning Day. Businesses are all closed in the morning, and everyone is expected to participate in cleaning up the public space — roadsides, parks, etc. Most communities appeared to be having work parties. After the physical cleaning, people are expected to gather with their families or communities to address any issues, i.e., the spiritual cleaning part of the day.
“Rwanda was spotless, which was especially noticeable when we crossed the border to litter-strewn Tanzania. I couldn’t help thinking that if every country in the world followed this idea, that it would be a much happier (and cleaner) place.”
michaelarthurgeller@gmail.com
@michaelgeller
