A homeowner in Kensington Market expressed frustration over the frequent rat infestation on Ellen Avenue behind her property and called for the city to address the issue. However, the city claims no ownership of the property, leaving the responsibility unclear. Cristina Enrietti, who owns adjacent houses, described the area as filthy with needles, garbage, and a nighttime influx of rats.
Ellen Avenue, like many orphaned properties in the city, has no known owner since the last recorded transfer in 1898. City Councillor Dianne Saxe acknowledged the challenge and expressed sympathy for the homeowners but noted the city’s limited authority due to the private property status.
Local historian Adam Wynne highlighted the prevalence of orphaned properties in Kensington and suggested a comprehensive city survey to identify and potentially acquire these properties for maintenance or development. Real estate lawyer Bob Aaron attributed the issue to historical land development practices, resulting in neglected properties that are impractical to manage.
The lack of clear ownership and value of orphaned properties poses a dilemma for municipalities like Toronto. Aaron emphasized the financial burden and complexities associated with assuming ownership and maintenance responsibilities for these properties. He also cast doubt on the feasibility of creating a city-wide registry due to the properties’ minimal worth.
Enrietti urged the city, despite not owning Ellen Avenue, to take action to preserve the neighborhood’s cleanliness, citing her substantial property tax contributions. Councillor Saxe expressed efforts to address the Ellen Avenue situation and explore solutions for orphaned laneways, including potential voluntary adoption by new property owners. However, Aaron cautioned against the likelihood of attracting buyers given the perceived lack of value in these laneways.
