Pubdate: Wed, 16 May 2001 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2001 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: David Kuxhaus NDP GETS TOUGH ON CRIMINAL HAUNTS New Legislation To Help Citizens Clean Up Their Neighbourhoods THE NDP introduced legislation yesterday targeting booze cans, brothels and shooting galleries for drug addicts that plague inner-city neighbourhoods. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act is expected to come into effect this fall. It will allow residents to file a complaint with a director of public safety, who could issue a warning letter to the owner of the home in question. In more severe cases, a Court of Queen's Bench judge could order the property vacated. "This legislation is unique in Canada," Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh said. "There is nothing like it in the country." The scheme, which utilizes the civil courts, is similar to one introduced by the Tories prior to the last election as part of its get-tough-on-crime campaign. Mackintosh noted, however, that the Tory plan, which was never proclaimed into law, placed the onus on individuals to push the matter through the courts. It also was up to residents to gather evidence about alleged houses of ill repute. "The concept was good but the legislation was bad," Mackintosh said, noting the current law is designed to go after habitual offenders and not people who have the occasional rowdy party. After making a complaint -- the complainant will remain anonymous -- an investigator from the Justice Department will be assigned to verify its validity. Mackintosh said they will also rely on information from other departments, such as Manitoba Housing, to evaluate the allegation. Police Insp. Stan Tataryn said it's another valuable tool for cleaning up neighbourhoods. "We know the frustration of communities," Tataryn said. Larry Leroux of the West Broadway Neighborhood Council said the legislation is long overdue. "It's about time," Leroux said. "We've been looking forward to this for a long time. What I like about it is that it goes after the owners." There are already civil remedies, such as nuisance and trespassing laws, to deal with problem neighbours, but Mackintosh said residents rarely use them because the process is time-consuming and they are fearful of repercussions. Mackintosh said a specific budget hasn't been created for the initiative. He said the province will evaluate it after one year and then decide on funding levels. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake