Economic Development Committee asks Elk Point to review unsightly property bylaw

Elk Point Town Council is working towards improving the visual appearance of the community. Council is strengthening their bylaws to ensure that delict and unsightly properties are address; especially buildings on the town’s main corridor, Highway 41 and the downtown core.

The issue was on Council’s table a few times in the past and there were plans to re-address the issue. In those plans, Council had the item on their agenda for their May 27th meeting.

At this meeting, The Economic Development Committee (EDC) submitted a letter to the Town. The letter asked that particular attention be paid to the Elk Point Gateway, that is, Highway 41 and one block east and west of the highway.

The EDC suggests that improving the curb appeal would “stimulate existing businesses and draw new business and residents to our town.”

The Town has been working for years to beautify its downtown. It has renovated the sidewalks, added flower baskets, and provided tax incentives to owners who give their properties facelifts.

Despite their efforts some abandoned and derelict buildings remain. In the past, letters have been sent to owners to paint, repair, restore, or remove unsightly properties, but as long as the owners pay their taxes, the Town has had little success in enforcing the requests.

Now, to strengthen the Dangerous Buildings and Structures section of the Unsightly Premises Bylaw, the Town is adding safety codes inspections. Safety inspections could require the property owners to fix the code deficiencies within a reasonable time frame or face legal consequences.

At this time of year, the public works department takes a tour to identify unsightly and unsafe properties.

Residents are expected to mow their lawns and “cut the grass on any boulevard, lane, or alley which abuts, flanks, or adjoins the property.” They are also expected to “prune, remove, or otherwise maintain trees and shrubs that interfere with or encroach on or over public sidewalks and alleys, endangering lines, poles, pipes, sewers, or other works of the municipality or public utility.” (Bylaw 808/19) Amendments are being made to the bylaw to limit the time that dismantled, wrecked, or derelict vehicles can be kept on a property.