By-Law Enforcement

Understanding By-Law Enforcement:

The Town's By-Law Enforcement department is here to maintain a high quality of life for residents and visitors.

By-Laws help ensure our Town remains a wonderful place to live, work, play, and visit. They allow staff to uphold safety and respect within the community by responding to By-Law complaints effectively.

The Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officers handle issues like:

• Parking violations
• Licencing services
• Animal services
• Property standards

We operate based on complaints. Once a complaint is filed, we investigate and take the necessary actions.

For more information about our services, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Department.

How Complaints are Handled:

1. Submitting a Complaint:

• Fill out the By-Law Complaint Form to report issues.

By-Law Complaint Form 

• Note: We do not accept anonymous or incomplete forms. Complaints driven by malice or unrelated to municipal by-laws won't be processed. A name and phone number are required, but will remain confidential.

2. Complaint Review:

• An Officer reviews the submitted complaint and evidence.
• The complainant is contacted only if more details are needed. Once submitted, the complainant’s role is complete, and no updates will be provided. The process ensures fairness and protects everyone's privacy.

3. Investigation Process:

• An Officer visits the location to document any Municipal By-Law violations.

4. Enforcement Steps:

• An Officer discusses findings with the property owner and advises next steps, which may include:
  • Closing the file if no violation exists.
  • Requesting correction verbally.
  • Sending a notice or order.
• For issues like Property Standards, Noise Control, or Public Nuisance:
  • A notice with a case number is sent, detailing the violation, correction steps, and time frame allowed.
    • If the property owner rectifies the issue in the allotted time frame, an officer will re-attend to verify compliance, speak with the property owner, and close the file.
  • If unresolved, a second notice may extend the correction period.
  • Persistent non-compliance can lead to an "Order to Comply."
  • Failure to comply may result in hiring an independent contractor to resolve the issue, with costs charged to the property owner.

By-Law Enforcement Priority List:

A By-Law Enforcement priority list categorizes By-Law complaints by their potential to impact public health, safety, and well-being, establishing tiered response times with immediate action for severe issues like dog attacks and unsecure buildings, and delayed inspections for less urgent matters like long grass and general property standards. 

Civil Disputes:

In civil disputes where no Town or criminal laws are breached, parties should seek private resolutions.

Examples include:

• Neighbour disputes
• Contract disagreements
• Personal injury claims
• Property damage claims
• Reputation damage claims

For assistance in the complaint process, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Department.

Enforced By-Laws:

Some of the By-Laws that are enforced regularly are: