A Dartmouth neighbourhood will be safer and more secure as the province moves to close three notorious Dartmouth properties.
Supreme Court Justice John Murphy granted an order to vacate the properties today, May 30, under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act for Nos. 14, 14A and the lower part of No. 6 Victoria Rd., ruling the evidence showed they have been extensively used for drug trafficking and prostitution. The properties are owned by the same person.
“We want our neighbourhoods to be safe and secure places for ourselves and our families,” said Justice Minister Ross Landry. “The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act is a tool that community members can use to take back their neighbourhoods. We rely on the community members to help us target these problem properties and need you to take action.”
The Department of Justice encourages people to report a problem property by calling, toll free, 1-877-357-2337.
There have been more than 700 complaints since the act began in 2007. Including today’s, there have been eight formal evictions using community safety orders. There have also been more than 122 voluntary evictions.
Halifax Regional Police have responded to the Dartmouth properties more than 700 times since 2008.
The properties will be closed for 90 days, beginning June 8. The closure will also void the leases of the tenants.
“We’ve responded to these addresses hundreds of times over the last several years for drug, weapons and prostitution offences, among others. This criminal activity has significantly impacted residents in the area as well as the downtown Dartmouth business district,” said Chief Frank Beazley of Halifax Regional Police. “Our partnership with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods team has led to the closure of these properties and eviction of some of the tenants which will undoubtedly help to enhance community safety in the area.”
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods team improves community safety by targeting and, if necessary, shutting down residential and commercial buildings and land that are regularly used for illegal activities.
Illegal activities identified in the act include bootlegging, drugs, prostitution and illegal gaming.
More information on the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/just
Source: Release
