Problem properties continue to challenge Lloydminster enforcement, with some locations returning year after year despite cleanup efforts.
Council reviewed a report during its March 23 meeting outlining unsightly property enforcement in 2025, including a total of 278 files investigated across the city.
“278 files seems like a lot,” said Coun. Jim Taylor, asking how the number compares year over year.
Administration said the increase reflects more resources being dedicated to enforcement, not necessarily a rise in problem properties.
“A number of these are reoccurring and we expect to see them on a year-to-year basis,” administration told council.
When property owners fail to comply with cleanup orders, the city can step in to complete the work and charge the costs back to the owner.
In some cases, those unpaid costs are added directly to property taxes.
“Throughout 2025, municipal enforcement took both proactive and reactive measures towards properties within the community which do not adhere to municipal bylaws,” administration said.
Of the 278 files, most were resolved through communication with property owners, but a small number required escalation.
“In instances where escalation was required, actions can be taken by the city, and the affected party is invoiced for any costs incurred,” administration said.
Repeat offenders and enforcement limits
Council raised concerns about properties that continue to fall out of compliance, even after enforcement action.
“So some of these properties, are they like reoccurring properties that you’re going back to?” asked Coun. David Lopez.
Administration confirmed that several properties fall into that category.
“A number of these are reoccurring,” administration said.
Lopez also questioned what tools are available when issues persist.
“At what point can we take enforcement and either take over the property or force a sale?” he asked.
Administration said options are limited, particularly when property taxes remain current.
“The property is compliant with its taxation rule, so we transfer it to taxation and it gets paid,” administration said.
Officials added that while Alberta legislation allows for eventual recovery through tax enforcement, the process can take years. On the Saskatchewan side, the process can be even more complex.
“We don’t see that process supporting municipalities much on the Saskatchewan side,” administration said, noting mediation processes often favour property owners.
Calls for stronger action
Coun. Jonathan Vance said the issue continues to impact neighbourhoods and community perception.
“I just wish there was more that we could do in regards to some of these properties with respect to cleaning up our city and making it a safer community,” Vance said.
He pointed to what is often referred to as the “broken window theory,” where visible neglect can lead to further decline.
“I constantly see that more and more,” Vance said.
City increasing enforcement efforts
Administration said enforcement activity has increased, not necessarily because the problem is growing, but because more resources are being dedicated to addressing it.
“It’s a severe increase due to our restructuring of the municipal enforcement team,” administration said.
Officials said the city now has dedicated staff focused on unsightly property files and is working on a proactive strategy heading into spring.
“How are we being proactive on these properties ahead of time?” administration said, outlining plans for increased enforcement as snow melts and more issues become visible.
How complaints are handled
Administration said enforcement is split between proactive patrols and public complaints.
“I would say it’s a blend, about half are proactive and half come from neighbourhood complaints,” administration said.
Council members said they were encouraged to hear enforcement officers are actively identifying issues rather than relying solely on complaints.
What happens next
In total, eight properties had unpaid cleanup costs transferred to the tax roll in 2025.
City officials said the process will continue in 2026 as enforcement efforts expand.
