It has taken more than three years of persistent work, led by Norfolk County’s Bylaw team, but a once-derelict commercial property on Robinson Street in Simcoe is now on the path to improvement.
Tenants, neighbours, and business owners regularly faced clutter and garbage, and the building was often left unsecured, leading to trespassing, drug use, and other illegal activities.
Upon inspection in 2020, Bylaw officers confirmed numerous violations of concern involving the internal structure. The building owner, a company from Markham, Ontario, was issued a Property Standards Order from Bylaw and an Inspection Order from the Fire department to correct the building deficiencies. The property owner failed to comply, and the building continued to decline.
After a serious fire later that year, the Norfolk County Fire Chief issued an Immediate Threat to Life order, allowing the building to be boarded up and any remaining tenants removed pending suitable repairs. The Homeless Prevention team of the Haldimand Norfolk Social Services & Housing department assisted with relocating displaced tenants.
Earlier this month, the building owners were found guilty of Property Standards offences and fined $7,000 plus court costs. The building ownership changed in 2022, and it is now undergoing renovations.
“This was a long and often challenging Property Standards investigation dealing with several serious public safety issues, as well as homelessness, substance abuse, waste management and criminal activity,” said Jim Millson, Norfolk County Bylaw Supervisor Norfolk County. “We would like to thank the Norfolk OPP Community Mobilization Officer, Norfolk Fire, Homeless Prevention and Building departments, as well as several downtown business owners, BIA leadership, and area residents who assisted with issues related to this property. Each played a part in providing a safer community to live and work.”
