CBRM to ask province for help with cost of cleaning up derelict properties

CBC

6 days ago

Cape Breton Regional Municipality plans to ask the province for help cleaning up derelict properties after fires destroyed two structures in Glace Bay last week, underscoring the danger of old, vacant buildings.
Officials say the municipality simply can't afford to tackle the large number of properties in CBRM that need attention.
"Unfortunately, statistically, I think we are in Nova Scotia the highest per capita with hundreds of vacant properties, dangerous and unsightly, and in the midst of trying to grow, we're trying to deal with some of the blights of the past," Mayor Cecil Clarke said.
"The two recent structure fires in Glace Bay just highlighted the impact of abandoned properties and ... what it means to the bottom line."
A fire on July 10 took out an empty warehouse next to an active fish plant and several hours later, a separate blaze consumed the former Morrison school, which is surrounded by homes.
Clarke said the cost of demolishing the remains of the former school alone is about $300,000, and that's money CBRM likely will not be able to recover from the building owner.
According to provincial property records, the building is owned by the non-profit Glace Bay & Area Y's Men & Women's Club.
A CBRM spokesperson said the building was up for tax sale with $87,400 in taxes and other costs owing to the municipality.
It went to tax sale three times over the last year and was not sold. It was scheduled to go up again later this month with the price reduced to $7,900, which is a year's outstanding taxes.
However, whether it makes it to the next tax sale is now in doubt because of the fire.
At Tuesday's council meeting, Coun. Dave MacKeigan got unanimous approval from his colleagues to have the mayor reach out to the minister of municipal affairs to seek financial help.
There are roughly 400 derelict properties in CBRM. The municipality removes up to 80 a year from the list, but others get added to the list every year, as well.
Most are empty homes, but about 10 per cent are large commercial buildings. Others are former school buildings that once belonged to the province — something that should be kept in mind, said Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald.
"We do not have the financial capacity and resources to deal with them, and I think consideration should be given that it was their buildings in the past and it should remain their responsibility," MacDonald said.
Clarke said he intends to ask for a meeting with the province as soon as possible.
The Glace Bay Volunteer Fire Department has been preparing and practising with other departments for at least two years in case of a fire at the former Morrison school.
Ten departments responded to the alarm call, providing protection for neighbouring homes.
No one was hurt and no other properties were damaged in the fires, but Clarke said the next incident could end in tragedy.
"All it would take is a change in wind direction and we could be talking a much larger disaster and a much more pressing discussion with the minister," he said.