Ontario woman says neighbours' abandoned house infested with bugs, overgrown weeds
An Ontario woman says her neighbours' house that has been vacant for three years is now overgrown with weeds, has a racoon problem and is infested with insects.
"The last time I saw my neighbour was October 2018 so this house has been abandoned since then," Brampton woman Christine Reece told CTV News Toronto. “We don't know if this (home) is a fire hazard or if there are water leaks … we just don't know what is happening."
Reece said she noticed the townhouse beside her started have issues about five years ago, but she says three years ago the owner moved out and never came back.
The home is overgrown with weeds and bushes. Insects, including an infestation of earwigs, are now affecting her property and raccoons have moved in next door.
According to Reece, there are several holes in the soffit of her neighbour’s house where raccoons climb in and out of each day.
"I used to have raccoons in my roof, but now they have moved into the (vacant) home and left my roof and my attic, because now they know they have an empty home all to themselves," she said.
Along with weeds, there is also garbage and junk that she says she has to look at each day beside her neighbour's townhouse unit.
There are insects on the interior windows of the home and Reece said no one knows for sure what's happening inside.
Reece said her family of five is no longer able to enjoy their backyard.
"There are rats, mice, raccoons, there is everything going on over there and it's a health hazard," Reece said.
There are failure to comply notices on the door for by-law infractions, and Reece has called the City of Brampton to complain, but she's been told the homeowner continues to pay his taxes on the property.
Reece said she just wants the mess cleaned up.
"I want the city to maintain it, because I’m tired of living with raccoons. I’m tired of not being able to enjoy my summer in my backyard, because at a certain time everyone has to run inside because the raccoons are coming," Reece said.
CTV News Toronto contacted city officials in Brampton who said they are "aware of property standards issues at (the property) and has laid multiple charges resulting in convictions against the property owner."
"The city continues to actively seek compliance with the property standards by-law and is currently reviewing next steps to address the matter," the city said in a statement. "By-laws are essential to maintaining a healthy and clean city, and every resident has a role to play in upholding these standards. The City of Brampton’s By-law Enforcement team is committed to keeping the city clean, safe and enjoyable for all, and takes all complaints about properties in the community seriously."
Reece said after CTV News Toronto visited her home, the city agreed to come and remove the overgrown weeds and bushes. A wildlife control company also visited the property but has so far not blocked the raccoons from getting inside.
Reece wants the city to deal with issues with the vacant home problem before animals start getting into and damaging her home.
Neighbours are also concerned that the vacant house could affect property values on their street.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Former Air Canada employees among suspects identified in gold heist at Pearson airport: police
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
ArriveCan contractor to be admonished by MPs in extraordinarily rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.