News release

Government to Help CBRM Deal With Abandoned Buildings

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

The province is helping Cape Breton Regional Municipality deal with abandoned buildings that have become targets for arsonists.

Amendments to the Municipal Government Act tabled today, Dec. 1, will clarify that a structurally sound building can be considered dangerous and unsightly.

Municipalities will also now be able to ensure that basic building maintenance, such as removing garbage or replacing broken windows, is done on a building before it becomes unsightly.

These amendments are being made at the request of Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

"Abandoned buildings are not just an eyesore in our communities, they are magnets for crime," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"Cape Breton Regional Municipality asked us to make these amendments. We listened, and we are happy to support them."

There are about 700 abandoned buildings in CBRM with a number of them being targets for arsonists.

"These amendments will help us tackle a pressing problem in our community," said CBRM Mayor John Morgan.

These changes will also be made to the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter to ensure consistent legislation across the province.