The City of Edmonton’s Community Property Safety Team (CPST) is already successfully tackling safety concerns with many unsecured vacant properties since its launch just months ago. The CPST pilot project was developed to address the worsening problem of fires occurring in unsecured vacant properties, which were the leading classification of fire deaths in Edmonton in 2021.

“The CPST is a bold, innovative and proactive approach to reducing fire risk in the City of Edmonton,” said Deputy Fire Chief of Public Safety Rob McAdam. “We’re already seeing improvements on more than half the orders issued. As a result of these efforts, the community fire risk is now significantly lower.”

Twenty-three orders have been sent out to private property owners since the start of the pilot across Edmonton including Alberta Avenue, in the McCauley neighbourhood, and

in other neighbourhoods across the city, specifically concentrating in the northeast.  

One commercial order was issued in Chinatown. Ten unsecured vacant properties have already been secured and 10 more are in line to be secured over the coming weeks. 

The CPST pilot project is a joint initiative between Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and the City of Edmonton’s Problem Properties Initiative. The pilot was recently expanded to run until the end of 2023.  

Edmontonians who want to report an unsecured vacant property can 

call 3-1-1 or email communitypropertysafetyteam@edmonton.ca and be ready to provide: 

This initiative is intended to reduce the number of fires by ensuring all vacant buildings in Edmonton are secured against unlawful entry. The program also incentivizes property owners to choose alternatives such as reinvesting in the property or demolition.

Acting Communications Advisor 

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services 

780-423-3472