Thunder Bay – City crews were seen cleaning up a long-neglected property on Dease Street Monday, after what neighbours say was years of community concern and worsening conditions.
The decline of the property appears to have started after the homeowner passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to nearby resident Sandra Rejàll, who told Newswatch the property has remained abandoned ever since, drawing squatters and illegal activity while frustrating neighbours.
Rejàll said she first contacted McKellar ward coun. Brian Hamilton in November 2024 and followed up again in May 2025. In response, she said Hamilton visited the property and took photographs to document its deteriorating condition.
“I just want it fixed because it's a health hazard and a fire hazard,” Rejàll stated. “I woke up the other day to the smell of bacon and saw a guy cooking on an open fire.”
She also emphasized the worsening odour during warmer months and the danger posed by discarded needles: “It’s a danger to children, and this area is well-travelled. Many people, including children and dog owners, pass through here.”
Marilyn Slaney, who lives adjacent to the site, shared her concerns about the situation. Since the owner’s passing, she said squatters have intermittently occupied the home, which was boarded up two years ago, further escalating her concerns about illegal activity and her fear of possible fires.
After repeated complaints and mounting public pressure,the city issued a municipal work order on May 11. The order mandates the removal of waste materials from the property’s exterior. The deadline for compliance was set for May 19.
Failure to comply empowered the city to step in and perform the cleanup at the property owner's expense. Given the lack of an active estate manager, the city has now moved forward with initiating the cleanup themselves.
Adam Carruthers, a municipal by-law enforcement officer, acknowledged the community’s frustration and confirmed that “there is an active file on this property, and actions are being taken.”
As cleanup efforts commence, locals residents like Rejàll and Slaney are hopeful this marks a turning point. “We’ve waited long enough,” Rejàll said. “It’s time for the neighbourhood to feel safe and clean again.”
