Forest Lawn Breathes Sigh of Relief: Notorious Drug House Shut Down by Alberta Sheriffs

The Scene

For too long, the corner of 2016 41 Street SE in Forest Lawn has been a daily source of dread for Calgarians. What should have been a quiet residential street, mere steps from two playgrounds and an elementary school, had become a hotbed of suspected drug activity and crime. Since February 2024, nearly 150 complaints poured into authorities, painting a grim picture of frequent visitors at all hours, suspected drug use, and trafficking that cast a long shadow over this community. It wasn't just a house; it was a constant, unsettling presence impacting the peace of mind for families trying to raise their kids in Ward 11.

What's Changing

This week, a significant victory for community safety arrived. On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Alberta Sheriffs, through their dedicated Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit, finally shut down this notorious property. This wasn't a snap decision; it was the culmination of a nearly two-year investigation under the provincial Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. This vital legislation empowers authorities to hold property owners accountable for activities that threaten our collective safety. A court order now mandates the property be vacated and closed for 90 days, from December 17, 2025, until March 17, 2026. Following the closure, the building will be securely boarded up, fenced off, and monitored by SCAN members, ensuring this troubled spot gets a much-needed cooling-off period.

The Neighborhood Vibe

You can practically hear the collective sigh of relief ripple through Forest Lawn. The constant burden on local law enforcement, who even in March 2024 found 13 people inside the house, leading to five arrests on outstanding warrants, evidence of drug use, trafficking, ammunition, and even homemade nunchucks, will hopefully lessen. This shutdown isn't just a statistic; it's a tangible improvement for the quality of life for everyday Calgarians. Parents can walk their children to school or the playground with a little less worry. The once-constant flow of suspicious activity that plagued neighbours is now gone, at least for a while. This is about reclaiming our streets, one notorious property at a time.

Looking Ahead

While this particular shutdown is cause for celebration, it also highlights the ongoing battle against problem properties in Calgary and across Alberta. Medicine Hat City Councillor Shila Sharps, for instance, has voiced a desire for more stringent and swifter penalties for homeowners who allow their properties to become hubs of illegal activity. Her sentiment, "Enough is enough. We have to put this back on the property owner," resonates with many who feel current measures, while effective in cases like Forest Lawn, can sometimes be too slow. As we look ahead, the hope is that this successful enforcement by SCAN inspires not only continued vigilance but also potential legislative strengthening to ensure properties that threaten our safety are dealt with swiftly and decisively, making all our communities safer.