A homeowner in Kensington Market is expressing frustration over the frequent presence of rats on Ellen Avenue, which borders her property. She is urging the city to address the cleanliness issues on the street. However, the city claims it does not have ownership of the property, and the true ownership remains unknown.
Cristina Enrietti, who owns three houses near Ellen Avenue, described the area as unsanitary, with litter, needles, and rats visible during the day and a significant rat presence at night. Ellen Avenue is categorized as an “orphan property,” an aged street or laneway with no identifiable owner due to historical circumstances.
The last recorded ownership transfer of Ellen Avenue dates back to 1898, with the last known owner passing away in 1922. Since then, the street, located off Oxford Street in the vicinity of College and Spadina, has been unclaimed. City Councillor Dianne Saxe is engaging with city officials to explore potential resolutions, acknowledging the challenges faced by homeowners but indicating limited immediate actions due to the street’s private property status.
According to local historian Adam Wynne, numerous orphan properties exist throughout Kensington and potentially thousands citywide. Wynne advocates for a comprehensive survey by the city to assume control of these properties for proper maintenance and potential development opportunities. Real estate lawyer Bob Aaron attributes the prevalence of orphaned properties to historical land practices and lack of planning.
The issue with orphan properties lies in their negligible value and the reluctance of any entity to assume responsibility for their upkeep. Aaron highlights the impracticality of city expropriation and maintenance, citing the potential financial burden on taxpayers. Enrietti emphasizes her expectation, as a taxpayer, for a clean neighborhood despite the city’s lack of ownership over Ellen Avenue.
Saxe is collaborating with municipal staff to seek solutions for Ellen Avenue and address the broader challenge of orphaned laneways. The possibility of future property owners voluntarily adopting these neglected lanes for maintenance is considered, though Aaron expresses doubts about the feasibility of this approach due to the lack of value associated with these properties.
