Coldstream now has more teeth to tackle ticketable offences, but it’s likely the district won’t bite hard.
Additions to Coldstream’s enforcement bylaw have been made, which allows the district to better enforce its rules.
But one politician is opposed to the changes.
“Some of the things, like riding or taking a bike or scooter out on the pier,” said Coun. Glen Taylor, who is concerned enforcers may just sit at the beach and hand out tickets all day.
“I don’t want to see the same thing happen here as happens in Vernon. They’re self sustaining because they go around writing tickets all day.”
But staff assure residents that they do not have the resources to sit out and issue tickets all day.
“We don’t actively go out looking for things,” said Trevor Seibel, chief administrative officer. “Everything is run on a complaint basis.”
What the changes do is allow bylaw and commissionaires the ability to deal with offences if they see them.
“Some of the issues in there weren’t enforceable because we didn’t have them in there,” added Keri-Ann Austin, director of corporate administration. “Such as snow removal.”
Although the changes give greater authority over issues, Coldstream’s policy is to educate first.
“It’s pro-active to communicate with them,” said Seibel.
