The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the owner of 499 Bracewood Crescent SW, giving investigators the authority to close the property for 88 days, starting at 10 a.m. on June 27. Any tenancy agreement or lease is terminated effective that date, meaning any and all tenants have been required to vacate the premises.

The community safety order, obtained in the Court of King’s Bench, bars people from the property until the closure period ends on Sept. 23. The property will be boarded up and fenced, and all the locks will be changed.

In addition to the 88-day closure, the community safety order also imposes additional restrictions that will remain in place for two years after the closure period has ended. Among them, the owner will be required to prevent further drug-related activities from taking place at the property, and to prohibit certain individuals from residing at or attending the property.

SCAN unit members will continue to monitor the property for any activity while their investigation remains ongoing.

“With the fifth problem property being shut down in just over a month, I continue to hear positive feedback from Albertans on the great work from SCAN. If drug dealers and those who prey on our communities have not gotten the message yet, today’s closure sends that message loud and clear – dangerous drugs are not welcome here. My sincerest thanks and appreciation go to SCAN and the Calgary Police Service for their strong, coordinated response to this known problem property.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

“With the support and collaboration of partners like the Calgary Police Service, Alberta’s SCAN team continues to have a meaningful impact on improving safety in Alberta communities. Shutting down problem properties like this one helps eliminate disruption and disorder in the community, enabling law-abiding Albertans to live peacefully.”

Greg Medley, deputy chief, Alberta Sheriffs

“All Calgarians have a right to feel safe where they live, and closures of problem properties is an effective way to keep Calgary safe and hold people accountable for their involvement in illegal activities. We remain committed to working with partner agencies to address drug houses and other related criminal activities which will not be tolerated in our communities.”

Trent Barker Petersen, District 6 community resource officer sergeant, Calgary Police Service

The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.

Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 9,000 properties and issued 123 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.

Quick facts

  • In 2023, Calgary Police Service officers attended the property 20 times for various types of calls for service, including suspicious vehicles, a house fire and stolen property.
  • In June of 2023, two individuals were found deceased in the property after a suspected drug overdose.
  • In September of 2023, another individual was found deceased in the property after a suspected drug overdose.
  • On Dec. 29, 2023, the Calgary Police Service executed a search warrant at the property and found items consistent with drug trafficking.

Related information

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Insp. Mike Dirkson of the SCAN unit and Sgt. Trent Barker Petersen of the Calgary Police Service will be available between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. for on-camera interviews at 499 Bracewood Crescent SW in Calgary.