A resident in Kensington Market expressed frustration over the frequent rat infestation on Ellen Avenue, an orphaned street behind her property. She urged the city to address the issue, but ownership of the street remains unclear.
Cristina Enrietti, who owns properties adjacent to Ellen Avenue, described the area as dirty, with needles, trash, and a significant rat presence, particularly at night. Ellen Avenue falls under the category of orphaned properties, neglected due to their age and lack of identifiable owners.
Recent research by CBC Toronto revealed that the last known transfer of Ellen Avenue ownership occurred in 1898. Following the death of the last recorded owner in 1922, the street, located off Oxford Street near College and Spadina, has been ownerless.
City Councillor Dianne Saxe acknowledged the homeowners’ concerns but explained the city’s limited authority in addressing the issue since the street is not under municipal ownership. Historian Adam Wynne identified numerous orphaned properties throughout Kensington and suggested a comprehensive survey to facilitate their maintenance and potential development by the city.
Real estate lawyer Bob Aaron highlighted the historical origins of orphaned properties, noting challenges in their upkeep due to lack of ownership and value. He emphasized the impracticality of individual ownership or city expropriation, citing financial burdens and lack of incentives for maintenance.
Enrietti emphasized her taxpayer status and the expectation of a clean neighborhood despite the city’s non-ownership of Ellen Avenue. Councillor Saxe is exploring potential solutions for Ellen Avenue and orphaned laneways, suggesting future property owners might voluntarily assume responsibility for the maintenance of these neglected areas.
However, skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of a city-wide registry for orphaned properties, given their minimal value. Aaron dismissed the idea of finding willing buyers for these neglected laneways, citing their perceived negative worth in the real estate market.