A South Surrey property that neighbours say has attracted squatters, disturbances and mess for years is finally being cleared.
Surrey’s manager of bylaws and licensing Jas Rehal told Peace Arch News unsightliness of the lot – in the 3800-block of 152 Street – “led to some nuisance activity,” which prompted the city to take action.
“We worked with the owners to have the house demolished,” he said.
As of this week, the house and all outbuildings had been torn down, and crews were on site clearing the remaining debris.
“I’m thrilled,” said one neighbour, who said she has been complaining to police and the city about the property for years.
The woman – who asked to not be identified – said the site has been “just an absolute disaster” for far too long. Things became increasingly bad after the electricity and running water were cut off about two years ago, she said.
But while the neighbour said the property has been a source of constant grief for the area, police say their presence at the site has been for “uneventful situations.”
Cpl. Bert Paquet told PAN last month that police had not been called to the “familiar” property since an early morning fire Nov. 9 that destroyed a barn there.
The blaze – which fire crews had to fight by shuttling water in by tanker – was not deemed suspicious.
Previous to that, police were at the property about once every three months, Paquet said, including five times in 2013 and twice in 2012.
“Each time we acted upon information received and dealt with uneventful situations, with no risks to the public,” Paquet said.
Rehal said at that time that issues with the property have included squatters.
While Rehal could not be reached for further details by PAN’s early holiday press deadline Monday morning, the neighbour said she has been assured the property will be cleaned up by the end of January.
“(The bylaw officer) said there will be nothing left, not even a cardboard box,” she said.
