A petition launched in Wallaceburg concerning the apartment complex located at 595 Wallace Street is sparking some interest in the community.
The Sydenham Current caught up with the person who initiated the petition, who lives near the old Steinhoff house at the corner of Wallace and Murray Street.
“As of now, in a very quiet protest, we probably have at least 80 people that have signed,” the neighbour, who will not be named, said. “I think the worst thing that is happening is that a measly eight to 12 people can terrorize a town of 12,000. A lot of people are afraid, it’s ridiculous, they’re intimidated. As I’ve been talking to residents in this area and they find out somebody is standing, they are resolved to stand behind.”
The neighbour explained what triggered him to create the petition.
“The harassment that we were receiving in our neighbourhood from the people that lived in that house and the intimidation tactics that were being used, which caused me to be fed up with it,” the neighbour said. “The people would use harassment techniques, like a minute and a half of total harassment and then disappear, so by the time you called the police and they came, everyone has gone and hidden. We’re basically being terrorized.”
The neighbour said he first approached MPP Monte McNaughton’s office more than a year ago with these issues.
“They talked to the Councillors and then reported back to me that the landlord and the police are working together to correct the situation… that was more than a year ago,” the neighbour said. “Here we are a year later… and it has magnified. The house has become a revolving door of crime.”
The neighbour said he hopes the property gets taken over.
“I hope to see this nest of crime broken up,” said the neighbour. “I hope to see the property removed from the control and ownership of the landlord. As far as I’m concerned, the landlord is an enabler of crime. I think the property should be seized.”
The neighbour said he has been getting tremendous support
“I feel like the interest is there,” he said. “I’m getting tremendous support from our present council member Jeff Wesley. From the mayor’s office, I know there has been support because of the way our police services have been directed, and from our police chief.
The neighbour added: “Some people, the minute they know what the property is, they are immediately on board, some people are afraid and then when they understand that it is their actual children that are at risk, they’re not afraid anymore.”
Const. Renee Cowell told the Sydenham Current that the Chatham-Kent Police Service have an eye on the Wallace Street property.
“CKPS officers are aware of this specific Wallace Street address and have attended there numerous times for various crime-related incidents,” she said. “We understand that a petition is circulating regarding this property.”
Cowell said seizing the property could be possible.
“As per legislation, the Province can ask civil courts to take possession of a property involved in crime,” she said. “Asset Forfeiture is a possibility when officers, over a period of time, continue to respond to the same address regarding criminal activity. It’s crucial that these incidents are documented and that evidence is collected to support the public safety concerns.”
Cowell said the “police can’t do it alone though.
“CKPS will continue to monitor this address and respond as necessary. Citizens are urged to call Police or Crime Stoppers with any and all information regarding criminal or suspicious activity. This information is gathered, prioritized, acted upon and sometimes used to help build grounds for search warrants,” she said.
“Community safety is a team effort,” Cowell added. “We need those living in the area to help be our eyes and ears. Together we can make a difference.”
Wallaceburg’s elected representatives are both well aware of the situation as well.
“I have been contacted by residents in the area and have worked with them to make sure C-K does what it can to assist,” said Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley. “Both the Police Service and Property Standards have done an excellent job in a very professional manner. Every resident in Wallaceburg deserves the ability to have a safe and peaceful neighborhood to call home.”
Wallaceburg Coun. Sheldon Parsons said the issues have been prominent for a long time at the property.
“We’ve heard for quite some time about issues with that particular property and the absentee landlord,” he said. “Police have had issues with it responding to many calls, complaints in the neighbourhood. Certainly the neighbourhood has had to put up with an awful lot.”
Parsons said the property is not up to standard.
“We’ve had property standards people there, we’re expecting some improvement there,” he said. “Really it is the activity within the house that is causing all the neighbour complaints. Hopefully the police can do something about it. It’s rumoured to be criminal activity, I don’t have any first hand knowledge, certainly we’ve heard a lot of rumours and issues about what kind of stuff is going on there. Hopefully they will have the authority to get something done.”
Parsons said he would expect council to direct staff appropriately, if the petition and issues come to the table.
“I think if it came to council, and I’m sure it will, council will ask staff to look into what avenues are open to us,” he said. “Obviously the neighbours have been putting up with stuff that they shouldn’t.”
The petition is currently available at various businesses, along with the Wallaceburg Municipal Centre.
The petition reads as follows:
“WE, residents of the community of Wallaceburg, Ontario, believe that the property at 595 Wallace Street (large red brick house, NW corner of Wallace and Murray, beside the bridge,) be removed from the control of ownership of the landowner due to his neglect or inability to stop the ‘revolving door; of criminal activity. This affects the living conditions of neighbours. All citizens of Wallaceburg are affected by the added tax burden of a continuous police and fire department presence required to maintain peace and safety in the vicinity of this house.”
A Freedom Of Information document attached to the petition, hows details of approximately 60 incidents where the police have attended the residence. The reasons include: assault, drug possession, weapons, suspicious person, traffic complaints, theft, motor vehicle collision, noise complaint and a fire.
Here is our original story: Petition launched against ‘Steinhoff’ house
We’ll provide more information about this story when it becomes available.
I remember this property being listed “as is” for $76K about six years ago – and I was considering making an offer. I guess an out of region buyer picked it for much less in the hopes of making some fast money – and likely got nothing but headaches instead.
That building has so much more character than some of those who are currently in it. As much as is part of the shady present; it has a proud past, is part of our town’s heritage, and should be care for as such.
There is just no way that I could support bulldozing this property. The problem would just move down the street and our community would lose an important piece of our heritage forever. The property has the potential to be a jewel of downtown Wallaceburg – it just needs a local caretaker who understands the true community value that this property possesses.
You are absolutely correct JimInWallaceburg. There are many properties that are called Heritage, however, the history with this property is much richer. Save the property! Sign the petition at the municipal building. Place the property in the hands of a responsible caretaker.