Alberta Health Services (AHS) has shut down a home near Strathmore after an investigation discovered rodent droppings, no heat, and no running water.
The home, located at 4300-4400 Township Road 244, was deemed unfit for tenants, and all renters were ordered to vacate before Jan. 25.
According to AHS, the home had no running water along with a broken furnace, which left the home without heat. Inspectors also discovered exposed wiring, no smoke alarms, and damaged windows.
Significant water damage was also noted throughout the home, which created soft areas on the kitchen floor. The bathrooms also lacked ventilation, with rodent droppings being spotted on the kitchen counters.
The owner of the residence, 1318325 Alberta Ltd. and Barry Heinemann, are required to fix the health violations before being allowed to reopen for tenants. The order requires hot and cold running water, proper heating, and a working smoke alarm.
Heinemann is also required to repair electrical hazards, interior and exterior damage, and to clean up the rodent droppings.
AHS said that the property will remain closed until the health violations are corrected. The order requiring tenants to leave the property is available on the AHS website.
This isn't the first time that the property has been in hot water. The Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) confirmed that peace officers had removed several livestock from the home in 2023, with the owner being convicted in 2024 under the Animal Protection Act.
According to the SPCA, the owner was permitting animals to be in distress. Heinemann was given a three-year prohibition from owning, possessing, or being responsible for the care, and control of cattle.