WFPS proposing changes to how vacant building fires are billed to property owners [Video]

The mayor’s inner circle is set to discuss possible changes to a bylaw that currently sees the landlords of vacant buildings billed for the entire cost of firefighting efforts when a blaze breaks out at their property.

Under the current bylaw, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service can recover the costs from vacant building fires when certain qualifications are met, however, since the bylaw came into effect last year, the WFPS has raised some concerns with the process.

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“The current application of vacant building fire response fees has resulted in a low percentage of fees being paid and may be discouraging property owners from redeveloping after expensive fires,” a city report reads.

In 2023, there were 43 properties that the WFPS could bill for a fire response, with the total bill reaching more than $1.1 million. …