EPC approves changes for vacant building fire fines [Video]

The mayor’s inner circle has approved a new set of fines when vacant buildings are burned.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) recommended moving away from charging the full costs of fire because it was preventing a lot of empty houses from getting renovated.

While the executive policy committee (EPC) agreed to change the amounts, they’re still higher than fire officials proposed.

Maria Suzuki is one of the landowners impacted by these fees. She had a vacant house that she was trying to renovate, but five fires thwarted those plans.

“We came to the scene, it was all burned. It looked like a garage was left,” said Suzuki.

The bylaw charging vacant property owners the costs of fire fighting came into effect in March 2023, meaning Suzuki was fined $180,000.

That price tag meant she can’t afford to rebuild.

“It was devastating.”

The WFPS recommendation was to have set amounts between $5,000 and $20,000.

“We have to be cautious that the fee …