Safer Communities and Neighborhood Program Expands to Cape Breton

Cape Bretoners concerned about illegal activity in their neighborhoods will soon have their own satellite office supporting the province's Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act.

The Department of Justice is hiring two more investigators to work in its public safety investigation section, which is expanding with the office in Cape Breton.

The investigators are part of the province's crime strategy, Time to Fight Crime Together. They will work with five other investigators who are based in Halifax.

Under the act, the investigators have the authority to investigate and, if necessary, shut down residential and commercial buildings and land that are regularly used for illegal activities.

The legislation, passed in 2007, encourages citizens to anonymously report problem residences and businesses. It also holds property owners accountable for threatening or disturbing activities regularly taking place on their property. The legislation gives investigators the authority to move quickly if illegal activity is suspected, and issue warning letters or notices to evict.

"People in Cape Breton and across Nova Scotia want to take back their streets and we are here to help them," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "Criminal activity of any kind, especially drugs, will not be tolerated. This program takes the power away from the criminals and gives it back to law-abiding citizens where it belongs."

Forty-seven properties have been investigated under the act since it came into effect in April 2007. In more than half of those cases, tenants suspected of illegal activities vacated the properties after being served with notices of potential court action.

In August, four properties with drug connections were targeted in one day as part of Operation Bay Sweep. Three residences and one business were shut down. There were 100 charges laid against 21 people.

"Criminal activity disrupts the peace and safety of neighbourhoods," said Roger Merrick, director of public safety investigations. "The legislation allows citizens to make complaints regarding illegal activities regularly occurring on or near property in their neighbourhood and guarantees confidentiality, eliminating the fear of reprisal."

Nova Scotia is a leader in this type of legislation which has been upheld twice in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, in Kentville and Cape Breton.

Other provinces, including New Brunswick and Newfoundland, are consulting with Nova Scotia to explore setting up similar programs.

Under the legislation, if a court is satisfied that certain activities pose a serious and immediate threat to public safety, it can order that the property be closed immediately and remain closed for up to 90 days. The court can also order individuals to stay away from the property and set other conditions. Owners can also be held liable for any costs to close a property in the interest of public safety.

Anyone wishing to make a complaint under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act can contact investigators at 1-877-357-2337.

The positions in Cape Breton are part of the Additional Officers Program which is being accelerated to add 45 new officers to the street.