981 Artisan Lane
Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0
Tel: 604-328-5499 {cell} Fax: 604-947-0193
Bylaw Services Officers:
Joldine Lee - jlee@bimbc.ca
Bonny Brokenshire - bbrokenshire@bimbc.ca
(Or general inquiries may be directed to bylawofficer@bimbc.ca)
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Hours of Service:
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8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
(excluding holidays) |
Bylaw Enforcement enforces the Municipality's bylaws in an efficient and timely manner, using a fair, respectful and consistent approach. Officers endeavour to take into account the viewpoint of all parties as well as the broad effect on the community as a whole.
Local Governments have authority, under the Local Government Act and the Community Charter, to make statutory law (known as "bylaws") regulating a wide, yet limited, variety of matters. These bylaws regulate things such as parking on the street, the condition of yards, derelict vehicles, the keeping of animals, lawn watering, signs, noise and land use.
Officers respond to complaints as well as enforce observed infractions. Most problems are resolved through voluntary compliance, however, where this does not happen, the appropriate enforcement action is taken according to the Municipality's Complaint and Bylaw Enforcement Policy. This could include fines, a prosecution (a court process to deal with an offence that is alleged to have been committed), a court order (a court process to stop something from being done, or to require something to be done) or taking direct action (such as having a Municipal crew clean up an untidy yard, at the owner's expense).
Not all matters are regulated by bylaw - some are regulated by Provincial or Federal Act and enforced by other authorities, or are simply not regulated by statutory law. When someone is bothered by the actions of another that are not regulated by statutory law, the person's legal recourse is to consult a lawyer for the purpose of initiating a common law, civil proceeding.
Noise Control Bylaw and Exemptions:
Permits for exemptions to the Noise Control Bylaw are issued in accordance with the Noise Control Exemption Policy. An overview of the Policy can be viewed here.
Applications for an exemption to the Noise Control Bylaw can be made by completing the application below. If approved by the Municipality, as permit is issued to the applicant.
Details of upcoming exemptions can be viewed here.
Some events held within the boundaries of a public property or a non-residential property that are considered accessory the the property's use, do not require an exeption, but require public notification. Notification must be made in writing to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at least 7 (seven) days prior to the event. Limitations for the time and durration of these events are set out within the Noise Control Exemption Policy. An overview of the Policy can be viewed here.
Details of upcoming events not requiring an exemption can be viewed here.
Special Events:
Community events that have been declared Special Events by a resolution of Council do not require an exemption to the Noise Control Bylaw. A listing of these events, including the date and time of the each event, can be viewed here.
