Health agency issues order after 42 beds found in home in Banff, Alta.
CBC
Alberta Health Services has issued an order against the owners of a home in Banff, Alta., after more than 40 beds and mattresses were found inside.
AHS says an inspection at 321 Squirrel Street found conditions that "are or may become injurious or dangerous to the public health."
It also said the home's 16-person maximum occupancy was exceeded — 42 beds and/or mattresses were found in the residence, and a tenant was sleeping in a basement room with no window.
CBC News has previously reported that many long-time locals and new Banffites are struggling to find housing this year.
The owner of the house has been ordered to make numerous repairs, remove the excess beds and mattresses and accommodate no more than 16 tenants.
Darren Enns, director of planning and development for the Town of Banff, says the town has a large proportion of young service sector workers and their household populations tend to be higher than an average Alberta household.
"However, I would say that this example is on the extreme end, and it's not something that we see too often."
He said they received several complaints about the house, and they are working with local non-profits to ensure the people living in the home are not left homeless.
In a statement provided to CBC News, the Town of Banff said more affordable housing is needed in the community, despite some affordable housing options being added in the past few years, including the Ti'nu apartment complex and the Aster condos, which are under construction.
Many private organizations continue to redevelop sites in town for their staff housing, according to the statement. The Banff YWCA is also constructing more units at its affordable housing complex.
"We will continue to explore opportunities to add to the housing stock. As a community who welcomes the world, Banff is a beautiful place to live but it's imperative that it's also a safe and comfortable place to call home," the statement read.
"As such, we will continue to work with the provincial agency to monitor the housing situation in Banff and to ensure landlords comply with our stringent occupancy and safety requirements."
The statement said the number of businesses requiring workers in the past decade has remained relatively constant. The Town of Banff has not increased in size since incorporation in 1990 and all developable land is in use.
"As a result, it is challenging to add housing in the townsite."