Windsor councillor pitches bylaw forcing homeowners with rat problems to take action

Windsor city administration will look into the feasibility of drafting a bylaw to force property owners with a rat problem to do something about it.

It's a result of a proposal put forward by Ward 2 Coun. Fabio Costante at Monday's council meeting.

Costante says he's received several complaints from homeowners who are besieged by the rodents coming from neighbouring properties.

The bylaw, if enacted, would for people who have rats living on their property to take some sort of action to get rid of them, he said.

"If your neighbour has burrows and you can safely conclude that at least some of the rats are coming from the neighbouring property, you would presumably call 311,"said Costante. "They'd have a bylaw officer come inspect the area. If they conclude that there's rat holes and the rats may be coming from there, they would issue an order that the property owner either engage in the city program or a third party private program to take care of the issue"

Costante said if the property owner didn't comply, a fine could be levied.

The idea is the "best thing since sliced bread," said Josephine Avenue resident Rick Hobbs.