Tuesday, December 21, 2010

City of WL aims to reduce nuisance complaints

From the City of Williams Lake:

Editor's Note - This press release is in a long-line of press releases that anticipates a Council decision.  It would have been better if it came out Wednesday...

Amendments to two City bylaws will give bylaw officers the tools needed to more effectively manage nuisance residences in the community.

Proposed changes to the Prevention and Abatement of Nuisances bylaw and Noise bylaw would allow bylaw officers to issue excessive nuisance fees of approximately $250 to property owners who incur more than one noise complaint in 24 hours or more than three complaints in a calendar year.

“This provides City staff with essential tools to manage a small number of properties that cause a large number of issues,” says Geoff Goodall, General Manager of Planning and Operations. “We want to provide all residents their right to safety, peace, and enjoyment of their neighbourhoods.”

The changes mean the RCMP, while still attending complaints, will bring the complaints to the City bylaw department for follow up and action. Fees for nuisance complaints are currently $50.

“This is part of a collaborative working relationship between the Williams Lake RCMP and City bylaw officers to keep the peace in our community,” says Mayor Kerry Cook.

Two public consultation sessions on the proposed amendments will be scheduled in January 2011.

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