Enderby residents involved in minor bylaw infractions can now take their disputes to an independent adjudicator.
B.C.’s bylaw adjudication program allows local governments to manage most bylaw violations at the local level, using screening officers and independent adjudicators instead of relying on court resources.
“It’s important for bylaws and related administration and enforcement to both be fair and be seen to be fair,” said Mayor Greg McCune.
“The bylaw adjudication system furthers that sense of fairness by showing respect for disputants’ time and for the pocketbooks of all concerned. Just resolutions will still be the end result of disputes, but we’ll get there more quickly and save money along the way.”
The City of Enderby plans to use the system to handle minor bylaw offences like parking ticket disputes and enforce minor zoning, property maintenance, animal control, traffic, business licence and anti-noise bylaws.
“Our bylaw adjudication system, which has been in use for more than a decade, is one way we have improved and streamlined access to justice,” said Attorney General Suzanne Anton.
“Taking minor disputes out of the courtroom not only means they can be dealt with quickly and efficiently, it also reduces pressure on the courts and frees up their time to deal with more pressing matters.”
