On July 18, 2019 the Medicine Hat Police Service Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section, in collaboration with; Alberta Health Services, Medicine Hat Fire Services and the City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Departments, completed an inspection of a residence located on Dominion Street SE. The inspection was to determine what actions could remedy the neighbouring concerns about a vacant property infested with bats. It was determined by all, including the City Solicitor, that an Unsightly Property Order should be issued due the appearance of the property and the fact that the property had become detrimental to the surrounding area.

The Unsightly Property Order under Section 546 (1) of the Municipal Government Act instructs the property owners to:

“CUT, REMOVE AND CONTROL ALL WEEDS ON THE PROPERTY INCLUDING THE BIND WEED ALONG THE EAST FENCE LINE. REMOVE ALL DEAD TREES AND BRANCHES AND CUT THE GRASS. REMOVE THE UNOPERABLE, UNREGISTERED VEHICLE ALONG WITH ANY GARBAGE OR REFUSE. ALSO, YOU MUST TAKE REASONBLE MEASURES TO CONTROL THE PEST INFESTATION ON THE PROPERTY, SPECIFICALLY BATS AS THEY ARE BECOMING DETRIMETAL TO SURROUNDING AREAS AND A DANGER TO PUBLIC SAFETY “

The actions in the Order must be carried out by August 21, 2019. The property owner may appeal the Order within 14 days.

Although this is not a common type of unsightly property file, it was evident that the vacant property was causing concerns for some neighbours. There was an excessive amount of bat feces on the property and it was spreading to other surrounding homes occupied by families. It was determined that the constant need to clean the bat feces, along with the lack of freedom to enjoy their yard in the evenings, was detrimental to the neighboring properties.

Bylaw Officers will inspect the property on/after August 21, 2019 to determine if further action if necessary.

Media Contact:

Supt Heather Trail
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8436