A group of Spence neighbourhood residents are asking for the city to take control of eight long-vacant lots in the inner city, saying they would better serve the community if they were converted into affordable housing.

“They are depressing. It makes it look like your neighbourhood is dying,” said Cheryl Martens, one of about a dozen residents behind a letter sent to local politicians at every level of government Thursday.

The letter suggests the stretch of homes, all located on or near the 500 block of Furby Street, would be suitable candidates for infill housing development.

Many of the properties have been vacant since late 2018, owing to a rash of fires on the street. For years, neighbours have wondered when the empty lots would be replaced with homes. Instead, they are treated as p

See Full Page