VICTORIA -- The City of Courtenay has declared a residential home a "nuisance property," to help the city recoup costs for emergency services that are sent to the residence. The municipality says the property, located on 20th Street, has been "negatively affecting the surrounding area for some time," especially over the past year. Through its nuisance abatement and cost recovery bylaw, the city says it will be able to fine the building's owner to recover costs for police enforcement. "The activities at 1655 20th St. have been a serious concern for the neighbourhood, the city, and the greater community for some time," said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells in a statement Thursday.