City cracks down on derelict, abandoned homes on Cambie, but forced rental not possible

An improved city education program, combined with an enforcement crackdown, has virtually eliminated problems of vermin and garbage around empty homes on Cambie, says city planning general manager Brian Jackson, but the city does not have the power to force owners to undertake short-term rentals.

Both issues came to the fore in June and July as residents along the Cambie corridor complained about the condition of homes awaiting redevelopment.

Council asked staff to report on the situation and Jackson’s reply came to council today.

The conclusion: with more than 3,500 complaints a year, city inspectors have their hands full, but a combination of education and enforcement has brought the Cambie properties into line. What the city can’t do, however, is force a short-term rental while a developer awaits permits.