Vacant and deteriorating homes slated for redevelopment in the Cambie corridor between West King Edward Avenue and West 41st Avenue have created an “incredible eyesore”, according to Adriane Carr.

The Green councillor told the Georgia Straight that if the City of Vancouver forced developers to provide security services for unoccupied properties, it might encourage them to ensure that people remain living on them.

“Goodness knows we have a big problem with affordable housing in this city, and it doesn’t make sense to have decent homes sit vacant,” Carr said by phone from City Hall.

On June 23, Carr gave notice of a motion calling on city staff to report to council by the end of July with an action plan to deal with the “safety, security and other problems associated with unoccupied, untidy and deteriorating properties slated for redevelopment” in the corridor along Cambie Street.

Carr noted that Cambie residents are “very upset” about “abandoned homes” in the corridor and have reported squatters, vandalism, and theft linked to them. She pointed out that the city has a bylaw to deal with unkempt homes and lawns.

“It’s obvious that it’s not being implemented, because we’re seeing untidy premises in the extreme along the Cambie corridor,” Carr said.

Carr’s proposed motion also seeks an “estimation of the city-wide extent of the problem” and an answer as to whether or not city hall can require “developers holding vacant properties for redevelopment for lengthy periods of time [to] either ensure occupancy or provide security services for their properties”.

“It’s not just that corridor,” Carr said. “My motion talks about wanting to get a handle on how big this problem is citywide. I’ve had calls from people about homes around Shaughnessy that are allowed to deteriorate, that are left unoccupied for long periods of time. They’re not only becoming an eyesore but, many people also feel, a threat to public safety.”

Carr expects her motion to be discussed at the next regular council meeting, on July 7.