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Homeowner ordered to end yard sale, clean up property

Edmonton's so-called "never-ending" yard sale has ended.

For months, people in the McKernan neighbourhood have been trying to get the city to shut down the sale at the home on 114th Street and 78th Avenue.

They finally succeeded.

On Friday, an Alberta Court of Queen's Bench judge granted an injunction filed by the city compelling homeowner Matthew Peter to end the yard sale immediately and clean his property within 48 hours.

"It's very clear that the yard sale, because of the length, the duration, was a business and it was very clear from the decision that the property is in an unsightly condition," said Ryan Pleckaitis, director of complaints and investigations with the City of Edmonton.

"And both of those issues are contraventions under the city's business licensing bylaw and community standards bylaw."

People in the area expressed relief that the junk, which included pots and pans, vacuum cleaners and a hot tub, was finally cleared away.

"This has been a horrendous eyesore," said Guy Thompson who drives by the house every day to take his daughter to school.

"And it's about time the city got it cleaned up. I'm glad the court gave him the order."

Two weeks ago, Peter appeared before the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board to challenge the city's original clean-up order.

He told the board he planned to carry on his legal battle for years.

Peter wouldn't comment Friday on what happened or why he changed his mind. Instead, he tried to put a positive spin on his summer-long sale.

"People came out, they had a lot of fun in the open air ... and a lot of people found a lot of unique knick knacks and treasures for themselves," he said.

"So, I think it was amazing success story and I'd like to thank all Edmontonians. "