The community safety order (CSO), that took effect at noon on Oct. 23, gives investigators with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs the authority to bar occupants from #2-15151 43 Street for 90 days.
“Our government will use all measures at our disposal to protect neighbourhoods from gangs and illicit drug activity. I want to thank the SCAN unit for the vital work it does to keep Albertans safe, secure and protected in their homes.”
SCAN began its investigation in March 2019, in response to a complaint from the public about drug activity at the property. SCAN investigators, working with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) members, were able to confirm drug activity was taking place, linked to a tenant.
During the investigation, SCAN located and spoke to the property owner, and advised him that investigators would go to court to obtain a CSO if the drug activity continued.
In August 2019, a woman under the influence of methamphetamine phoned in a report of a home invasion at the property that resulted in a standoff with the EPS tactical unit before it was determined to be false.
In September, a SCAN investigator spoke to the tenant, who claimed he was operating an “informal drug treatment centre” in his home. He was allegedly using methamphetamine as well as giving it to others.
In the course of its own investigations, EPS found weapons on the property, including a prohibited firearm, knives and replica firearms.
Drug activity continued into September, prompting SCAN to apply for a CSO in Court of Queen’s Bench. On Oct. 17, SCAN successfully negotiated terms of a CSO with the owner, specifying that all tenants must vacate the property for 90 days.
During the 90-day closure, the owner is allowed access to the premises and contractors are permitted to carry out repairs and renovations if they’re accompanied by the landlord.
After the closure ends on Jan. 21, 2020, the owner is required to take all reasonable steps to prevent further drug activity at the property.
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act gives sheriffs the authority to target problem properties through civil enforcement.
Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 5,500 problem properties and issued nearly 80 community safety orders. The majority of complaints are resolved by working with property owners to keep criminal activity out of the community.