A homeowner in Kensington Market is expressing frustration over the frequent presence of rats on Ellen Avenue behind her property and is urging the city to address the cleanliness of the area. Cristina Enrietti, who owns three adjacent houses, describes the situation as filthy, with needles, garbage, and a nightly influx of rats.
Ellen Avenue falls under the category of orphan properties in the city, meaning it lacks a known owner due to its age, having last changed hands in 1898. Despite efforts to identify ownership, the street remains unclaimed and unattended.
City Councillor Dianne Saxe acknowledges the issue and sympathizes with homeowners like Enrietti but points out that the city cannot intervene on private property. According to local historian Adam Wynne, there are potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of similar orphan properties across Toronto. He suggests a comprehensive survey to reclaim and maintain these neglected areas for potential development.
Real estate lawyer Bob Aaron highlights the challenges posed by orphaned properties, which are often deemed worthless and impractical to manage due to the lack of ownership. He emphasizes the reluctance of potential buyers to take on these properties, as they come with liabilities and offer little to no value.
Enrietti, while aware of the city’s limitations in addressing Ellen Avenue, believes that as a taxpayer, she deserves a clean neighborhood environment. Councillor Saxe is exploring potential solutions for Ellen Avenue and other orphaned laneways, including the hope that future adjacent property owners may voluntarily adopt and maintain these neglected areas.
Despite aspirations for private ownership to alleviate the situation, Aaron remains skeptical, citing the lack of interest in acquiring these unclaimed properties. The challenge lies in the financial burden and lack of incentives for individuals or the city to take over and maintain these neglected laneways.