OLDS — Olds residents can expect some “definitive action” on some unsightly properties later this spring or summer, the municipality's protective services director Justin Andrew says.
Andrew made that prediction during town council’s May 12 meeting.
However, he said the word “unsightly” may not be what some people envision.
“A prime example would be dandelions on front grass is viewed as unsightly, but that doesn't meet the definition of what an unsightly property would be.
“So we spent a lot of time educating the public about what unsightliness is on a property and how that's affected,” Andrew said.
Abandoned vehicles are also a concern.
He said “pieces” regarding unsightliness have been worked on since the community standards bylaw and other bylaws were revised last year.
“It makes a clear definition, and so it's just more of an education thing that will be ongoing,” Andrew said.
Another target is properties that have been “sitting idle” for a long time.
“We've got a pretty good process worked out right now between our legal team and with the courts on making a move on properties that traditionally have been sitting,” he said.
“I don't know whether there’s no desire to fix it up or to develop it or do anything.
“It does take time. It is a process, but it is working quite well.”
Now that the Town of Olds has just hired its third bylaw officer (former Olds RCMP detachment commander Warren Wright), Andrew is hopeful all three officers will have more time to explain in person what constitutes unsightly yards.
“But we also want to use various communication methods, whether it's social media or in the town newsletter, whatever, to put out some kind of tidbits of that information,” he said.
Andrew said another common misconception is the belief by some people that dandelions are noxious weed. They’re not.
“So yeah, it's continued work,” he said.
