The city says about 114 building owners in Niagara Falls would have to register, but the CAO outlines benefits
The City of Niagara Falls is looking at a vacant building registry and related fees to deal with vacant and neglected buildings.
It's to have property owners more active with their buildings, minimizing by-law enforcement staffing of unsafe or neglected buildings.
City councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg recalls seeing bordered up buildings in other cities. "And when we see those bordered up buildings, you start locking your doors because you're a bit scared, then you think 'what kind of community is this that they allow this to happen'? Landowners who have responsibility, and they've basically defaulted."
The owners of 114 vacant buildings in Niagara Falls would have to register, in order to better deal with potential fires, unauthorized entries, and unsafe or unfit structures.
Chief Administrative Officer Jason Burgess says it'll help building owners, such as with insurance needs. "It actually helps you get the insurance, because you can prove to the insurance company you've done everything appropriately, the city is aware of the vacant building status, and it actually provides support for you on an insurance item."
A building owner would be required to monitor the building as outlined in the registry.
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