Bylaw Enforcement
Bylaw enforcement exists to promote, facilitate, and enforce bylaws that pertain to health, safety, and structure of the community. The goal of bylaw enforcement is not to penalize residents or visitors of Pouce Coupe but, rather, to achieve compliance through education in order to preserve the quality of life to which each resident is entitled.
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer is responsible for investigating written complaints about alleged violations of various municipal bylaws. These regulations may include such things as:
- Property conditions (i.e. unsightly premises and excessive noise)
- Parking and snow removal
- Signs (i.e. unauthorized placement/construction)
- Water restrictions
- Business licensing
- Zoning regulations
While there are certain areas of enforcement that are safety related and require proactive enforcement, the majority of bylaws are enforced on a complaint basis. This ensures that the Village is serving the needs of the community and that the complaints received are of high importance. If a particular complaint does not fall within the purview of the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, it will be forwarded to the applicable department.
How To Make A Complaint
To make a complaint, the following information is required:
- The name, address, and phone number of the complainant;
- Relationship to the property or individual subject to the complaint;
- Location of the property and description of the issue.
Often complaints can be resolved amicably between neighbours. Before contacting the Bylaw Enforcement Officer for assistance, it is recommended that whenever possible, residents should attempt to resolve their issues.
To register a complaint with the Village, please drop into the Village Office during our office hours and complete a complaint form in person. Should the complainant refuse to fill out a complaint form or provide the above information, no action may be taken by the Village to investigate the complaint.
Complaint Anonymity
Complainant information is considered confidential and will not be released to the person whose property is being investigated, unless under an order by the Provincial Freedom of Information Act or where necessary in a court of law.