The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) wants to reduce the hassle for locals, as it takes steps to resolve bylaw disputes locally.
A new Bylaw Dispute Adjudication System, launched today (Dec. 1), aims to keep disputes within the district out of the provincial court system.
“The system has been created to provide local governments with the ability to make enforcement of bylaw matters more efficient and less expensive for both the members of the public and the local government,” said Amanda Yasinski, manager of Bylaw Compliance.
According to the CVRD, residents can follow a three-step process after getting an offence notice:
Step 1: Pay or Dispute a Bylaw Notice
- involves the option to pay or dispute the offence within 14 days to the CVRD.
- The district says a dispute can be made by filling out the form on the back of the notice and then be delivered in person at the CVRD office, by email or fax.
Step 2: Dispute Process
- A screening officer will contact you to review the details and will either confirm or cancel the notice.
- If it is upheld, choices will be offered:
- Pay the full fine amount
- Enter into a compliance agreement
- Or request a bylaw dispute adjudication hearing
Step 3: Adjudication Hearing
- A coordinator will contact with the date, time and location of the hearing (over the phone or video, in person, or writing)
- An independent adjudicator will determine if the bylaw offence occurred
- The notice will be cancelled if it did not occur. If it occurred, a $25 adjudication fee will be added to the bylaw fine.
To learn more about the system, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/bylawcomplaints.
