🏙️✨ Exciting changes are happening in Olds as the town tackles unsightly properties! Discover how proactive measures are revitalizing our community and paving the way for new development. 🌱🏡 #Olds #Alberta
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Focus on Unsightly Premises in Olds is Working
The Town of Olds is making significant strides in improving its community’s appearance by focusing on unsightly properties, and the results are beginning to show. According to Justin Andrew, the town’s protective services director, proactive efforts to tackle derelict properties under the Community Standards Bylaw (CSB) are leading to noticeable improvements. This shift in approach reflects a broader strategy that other municipalities might find insightful. Let's dive into what this means for Olds and what we can learn from their approach.
Moving from Reactive to Proactive Enforcement
One of the most critical points raised by Justin Andrew is the shift from reactive to proactive bylaw enforcement. In the past, municipal authorities may have simply responded to complaints, focusing their efforts on resolving issues once they were reported. This reactive approach, while necessary, often left a backlog of problems that could go unaddressed for too long. The proactive strategy aims to prevent issues before they reach that stage, improving the overall aesthetic of the community more efficiently.
Proactive enforcement means that officers aren’t just waiting for complaints to come in. Instead, they’re actively seeking out properties that fall under the Community Standards Bylaw and addressing issues before they become major problems. According to Andrew, this allows the department to better allocate its resources. “The amount of time allocated to follow up on complaints is offset when you're actually going out proactively,” he said, highlighting how this shift can lead to a more streamlined and effective enforcement process.
The Success of Proactive Measures
The results of this new approach are already evident. In just one quarter, the protective services department investigated 134 incidents, 50 of which were related to the CSB. More importantly, several derelict properties were demolished, making way for new developments. This is a key indicator that the town’s efforts are paying off, as one of the primary goals of addressing unsightly premises is to create space for fresh, modern developments that will benefit the community as a whole.
Andrew’s comments underscore the significance of dealing with properties that are beyond repair: “We’ve seen some great movement there that we’re not hanging on to these properties.” By clearing out old, unsalvageable buildings, the town is opening the door for future growth, ensuring that Olds can continue to develop and thrive. This is not just about cleaning up—it’s about creating opportunities for renewal and economic progress.
Why Proactive Enforcement Matters
The focus on unsightly premises isn’t just about appearances—it’s also about fostering a sense of pride in the community. When properties are left to decay, it can send a message that the town is stagnant or that neglect is tolerated. On the other hand, when authorities take the initiative to clean up and remove derelict buildings, it sends a strong signal that the town is invested in its future.
For the residents of Olds, these efforts likely contribute to a better quality of life. Cleaner, well-maintained public spaces are linked to higher levels of satisfaction and well-being among citizens. Additionally, these improvements can lead to increased property values, attracting new residents and businesses to the area. The ripple effect of addressing unsightly premises goes beyond just improving curb appeal; it sets the stage for sustainable growth and a stronger community.
What Can Other Towns Learn from Olds?
Olds’ success with proactive enforcement serves as a valuable case study for other municipalities grappling with similar issues. Moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one can be challenging, but as this example shows, it has significant benefits. Municipalities looking to replicate Olds’ success should consider the following:
- Dedicated Leadership: Having a director like Justin Andrew, who clearly understands the importance of proactive enforcement, is essential. Leadership that prioritizes long-term results over short-term fixes will drive meaningful change.
- Community Standards: Clear bylaws like Olds’ Community Standards Bylaw give authorities the framework they need to address problems efficiently. Towns should ensure their bylaws are up-to-date and capable of supporting proactive enforcement.
- A Focus on Development: The ultimate goal of Olds’ approach is not just to clean up but to make space for new development. Communities that emphasize growth and renewal alongside cleanup efforts are likely to see greater economic and social benefits in the long run.
What’s Next for Olds?
The improvements in Olds are just the beginning. As Andrew mentioned, there are still more properties in the works, meaning residents can expect to see continued progress in the months to come. The town’s focus on getting rid of the old to make way for the new is a clear indicator that this is an ongoing effort, not a one-time push.
This strategy will also likely influence the way other issues are handled in the future. If proactive enforcement works well for unsightly premises, could it be applied to other areas of the town’s management? Time will tell, but for now, it’s safe to say that Olds is on the right track, and the positive changes are evident.
Share Your Thoughts
The success of Olds’ proactive enforcement efforts is worth celebrating, but it also raises important questions. Should more towns follow suit with similar strategies? What other areas of community management could benefit from a proactive rather than reactive approach?
We want to hear your thoughts! Head over to our Facebook or Twitter page to join the conversation. What do you think about Olds’ approach to unsightly properties? Could this be a model for other towns and cities?
The future of Olds looks brighter with each improvement, and we’re excited to see how these efforts will continue to shape the community for years to come.