Vernon will join with eight other communities Feb. 1 to move resolution of some bylaw disputes out of the courts and into an adjudication process.
The new system will provide residents with options to pay tickets for minor bylaw violations and a new process to dispute bylaw offence notices.
“The system is much fairer to Vernon citizens and we look forward to this new approach,” said Leon Gous, Vernon’s chief administrative officer.
It’s also expected the process will reduce costs for all involved, and time will be freed up at the courthouse to respond to more serious bylaw matters.
“Previously, anyone wishing to dispute a bylaw notice such as a parking ticket, was required to appear in provincial court which is an expensive and time-consuming process for the disputant, the province and the local municipality,” said Clint Kanester, bylaw services manager.
“This new bylaw adjudication process can reduce the dispute process time from the current six months, often down to one month, resulting in cost savings to the municipality and more efficient use of bylaw officer time.”
Besides Vernon, the other participants in the initiative are Kelowna, Penticton, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Oliver and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
