Owner / Agent Responsibilities
The property owner(s) or their agent(s) who have vacant properties are responsible for:
- Securing and maintaining the condition of their property (structures and land)
- Reducing the risk of fire and other life safety matters
- Inspecting regularly and taking corrective measures
The hazards and risks associated with vacant premises are mitigated through the enforcement of maintaining and securing vacant premises under the powers of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw Number 3712 (PDF).
Property owners are required to ensure that vacant buildings or structures are secured against unauthorized entry in conformance with the Fire/Rescue Vacant Building Securing Guidelines (PDF). Fire/Rescue also has a program to inspect vacant buildings on properties to ensure that security measures are being employed.
Definition of "Vacant Building"
Vacant Building means a building or structure that meets at least one the following criteria:
- Has remained unoccupied by the owner or an occupier for a continuous period of 30 days
- In respect of which a water, sewer, gas, or electrical service has been intentionally disconnected other than for temporary maintenance
- Demolition permit has been applied for in respect of that building or structure, a building that has actually been left vacant, regardless of the amount of time it has been left vacant