Downtown association applauds SCAN efforts at 810 Wheeler

A downtown residence has been boarded up after RCMP officers and members of the local SCAN (Safer Communities and Neighbourhood) unit evicted the residents on Canada Day.

A downtown residence has been boarded up after RCMP officers and members of the local SCAN (Safer Communities and Neighbourhood) unit evicted the residents on Canada Day.

The residence located at 810 Wheeler Street, known as local crack house, has long been a source of controversy due to the high levels of traffic going in and out of the home, and the amount of disorder evident in the backyard and surrounding area of the home.

The owner of the residence, who lives in Edmonton, issued an eviction notice on June 1, telling the residents they had to leave by the end of the month, said Leslie Carberry, director of crime prevention and policing, in an interview this morning.

“This is the first time the landlord has evicted the residents and asked for help to have them gone,“ said Carberry. “We were delighted to assist with that.“

Two of the home’s nine occupants were present when police and members of the SCAN unit attended the residence just after midnight early Canada Day morning.

Carberry said it is “absolutely” the responsibility of the residents to find their own accommodations, especially since they were given a month’s notice of the eviction.

“Our part is to ensure that we reduce any public safety risks,“ said Carberry.

Inside the house, police officers and SCAN unit members found 2,000 needles, dozens of crack pipes and other drug paraphernalia, said Carberry.

There is extensive damage to the house, she added, and poses a danger to others.

“It was essentially trashed. We would encourage people to stay away from the property.“

SCAN legislation, which was enacted in fall 2006, allows for tenants to be evicted from properties where there are illegal activities such as prostitution, drug activity or bootlegging. Local residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity in their area.

“I’m delighted with how SCAN is working,“ Justice Minister Marian Horne told the Star this morning.

“It’s bringing safer communities to the Yukon and helping Yukoners feel safe. It’s a way for them to put their complaints forward. We don’t deal with individuals, we deal with property with SCAN,“ Horne said.

“We are pleased for the results we have achieved. I want to assure the people who have taken the time to report to SCAN that it is because of our citizens that we can make improvements. My kudos to SCAN and the RCMP.“

Local residents had filed 16 complaints to the SCAN office regarding the residence, said Carberry.

“I’m delighted that it has been boarded up,“ said John Pattimore, director of the Downtown Residents’ Association, in an interview this morning.

“Hopefully that will be the end of that now.“

Pattimore said he heard the house is for sale, and speculated that with current high land prices, someone may purchase the property.

The house has a great location and is near a park, Pattimore said.

Pattimore is himself a resident of Wheeler St.

“We’re happy that it’s closed down. It will reduce the traffic. You won’t see people stoned on the street. It was poor household management all the way, plus the yard is a mess. It’s a bulldozer special all the way.

“If it’s boarded up, it means nothing is going to be happening. There will be an immediate drop in activity. I’m not really surprised about what was found inside,“ Pattimore added.

Pattimore said that the recent closure of the high-profile residence may encourage others to curtail illegal activities.

“It waves the flag, so to speak. The authorities are out there watching it. It may convince people to not do this kind of stuff, or they’re next. It’s a tough thing, a real tough thing. I appreciate the authorities taking action. Wherever it happens, let’s get on it.“