The City of Cambridge is putting vacant properties under the microscope when it comes to how various lots are being managed and maintained, saying that too many have fallen into disrepair.
Councillors say they need to raise some attention to how those vacant properties are being maintained, adding that the bottom line needs to be brought higher moving forward.
“As part of the Municipal By-law Compliance Strategy, the City of Cambridge is reviewing the Property Standards By-law and Lot Maintenance By-law to ensure our community remains safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone,” said the City of Cambridge through an online survey.
As a result, during a workshop earlier in the week, those councillors said they are now pushing forward a new proposal, one that would see adjustments made to the city’s property standards and lot maintenance bylaws.
“The Property Standards By-law outlines the minimum standards for the maintenance and occupancy of properties within the City, ensuring buildings are safe, habitable, and free from hazards,” the municipality said. “The Lot Maintenance By-law sets requirements for the upkeep of exterior yards. Together, these by-laws help preserve the safety, welfare, and quality of life for all residents of Cambridge.”
Bylaws were last updated in 2013, before that in 2004, meaning it has been over a decade since the city has updated and modernized the standards to which those properties have been held.
Some of those proposed updates could include:
- Abandoned properties needing to be boarded up, with outdoor lighting and shut-down utilities
- Property owners being required to hire caretakers for their properties to address lot conditions
- Added administrative penalties or fines following prolonged neglect
- Progressive enforcement efforts, along with added municipal power through provincial courts
The proposed changes are expected to be brought forward for Cambridge council approval early in 2026.
Before that happens, the city has issued an online survey that will be available until Nov. 30 for the local community to voice their thoughts and opinions on those potential changes.
