People in southwest Edmonton are dealing with a particularly challenging — and smelly — abandoned vehicle.

In Ramsay Heights, a neighbourhood adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River, dozens of bags filled with what appears to be dog poop cover the tonneau cover on the truckbed of a red Dodge pickup.

Neighbours estimate the truck, which has British Columbia licence plates, hasn’t moved from its spot on 147th Street south of 51st Avenue for eight months. 

The city councillor for the area said the truck has been ticketed multiple times by bylaw officers, but hasn’t been towed because the police impound lot is full.

Kelly Imo, who lives a few houses away from the abandoned truck, has called the city numerous times. She told CBC News that she is frustrated.

“It is beyond an eyesore. We look at this every day. We do not want this here in the neighbourhood,” she said Tuesday.

“Now it is becoming a health hazard because of the dog feces. This needs to be removed,” she added. 

According to City of Edmonton information about pet waste and litter, dog feces often contains  E. coli or salmonella and can be harmful to people, pets and the environment if not disposed of correctly.

Coun. Mike Elliott, who represents Ward pihêsiwin, said residents have complained to him about the vehicle and confirmed that bylaw officers issued tickets.

“This vehicle sits at approximately number 290 to be towed. We are talking months and months potentially,” Elliott said. 

“That is just one issue we’re dealing with in the ward. How many others are happening in the city?”

The city has stopped towing cars because the police impound lot — which holds both abandoned vehicles and cars towed by enforcement officers — has reached capacity.

“There’s an overflow spot of land for towing needs, but that spot of land is currently being utilized due to construction on the Yellowhead. That is taking away spots,” Elliott explained. “It will return to the police seized vehicle section for extra room by late 2026.”

Elliott said he recommended to one Ramsay Heights resident that they call the police about the truck, noting it potentially could have been stolen.

“If it is stolen, the police have to show up and they have to do an investigation and have to tow it for investigative purposes,” said Elliott, who is a former police officer.

“I am not sure about current EPS policy, but … I would tow it for public safety and nuisance issues.”

CBC News requested comment from the Edmonton Police Service on Tuesday, but police said this was a city issue.

The City of Edmonton had not responded to CBC News by deadline.

Towing concerns

Elliott said he believes it may be time for council to revisit how towed and abandoned vehicles are dealt with.

“How long is a vehicle being held? How long do we have to wait and what processes need to occur to move vehicles along and free up more space?” he said.

As for the source of the poop bags, neighbours told CBC News they haven’t seen anyone putting them on the vehicle.

“I think it’s a protest from people walking by. They are just tired and done,” said resident Ann Margel.

According to the City of Edmonton’s website, the fine for failing to clean up after your pet is $100. The website also advises against putting pet waste bags “on top or beside a full container.”

Neighbours are concerned about the vehicle — and the dog waste bags — as the weather gets warmer.

“The smell of the dog feces will permeate,” Margel said. “It will be absolutely terrible. I just don’t want this to be here,”