Peace and quiet have returned to a North Cowichan neighbourhood after authorities raided a house that had long been a concern for many of its neighbours.
Police from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment were at the house, located at 6257 Parkside Place, on Feb. 15 while officials from the Municipality of North Cowichan conducted safety inspections at what neighbours say has been a problem house in their area for years.
At the end of the inspection, the house had its occupancy permit retracted due to numerous safety violations, and no one other than authorities are permitted inside of the building until the violations are dealt with.
RCMP Cpl. Cari Lougheed said officials had been alerted to the house because of “ongoing police involvement and persistent public outcry. We would not be where we are without the help and patience of community partners and the public,” she said.
Neighbours had complained that the traffic coming and going at the house had continued through the night, and disruptions to the peace in the neighbourhood were constant.
Sheila Hanson, one of the neighbours of the residence, said the property has been quiet since the raid by police and bylaw officers.
“The police were there [on Feb. 19] for a couple of hours and they have been busy going through the dumpsters on the property,” she said. “I’m happy with what has been done, but it’s really a matter of waiting and seeing what happens next. I’ve been told by the authorities since last summer that something was coming, and I’m pleased that it’s finally happened.”
Lougheed said that if anyone is seen inside of the residence, they are there illegally.
“If anyone is seen in there, please call the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment immediately,” she said.
