Use It Or Lose It

Housing activists are pushing city officials to adopt a type of eminent domain to take over neglected buildings and turn them into affordable housing. That idea is easier said than afforded by city coffers.

1 minute read

October 30, 2007, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

"A new group of housing activists wants the city to take over neglected and underutilized buildings and convert them into affordable housing."

"In other words, they want property owners to face a 'use it or lose it' bylaw."

"In the London borough of Islington, a dedicated officer can force landlords to sell or lease their properties if they are becoming derelict."

"'Empty properties are ghastly eyesores, and attractive only to those intent on crime. ... This is a criminal waste – particularly when there is a national shortage of accommodation for people in housing need,' said Terry Stacey, a councillor for the British municipality."

"Gil Hardy, a spokesperson with Toronto's affordable housing office, said expropriation is only a small part of the solution."

FULL STORY: New life for neglected buildings

Monday, October 29, 2007 in The Toronto Star

History / Preservation Housing Ontario

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