Funding to Clean up Contaminated and Derelict Properties

WHEREAs there are numerous contaminated and derelict properties throughout Alberta which are left abandoned by property owners each year, often accompanied by unpaid property taxes; and

WHEREAS contaminated and derelict properties negatively affect property owners and municipalities; and

WHEREAS previous grant funding from the Government of Alberta was not adequate to remediate properties and is no longer available; and

WHEREAS applicable acts and regulations do not properly distinguish between current owners and original polluters, and further do not completely prevent the original polluter from evading their remediation responsibilities; and

WHEREAS municipalities face the dilemma of either seizing these properties through unpaid taxes and therefore inheriting the liability; or allowing the continued contamination of lands and accumulation of unpaid taxes;