Proposed Good Neighbour Bylaw Open House - May 15th

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The public is invited to provide feedback on a proposed Good Neighbour Bylaw at an open house on May 15, 2014. Comments are also welcome via e-mail at bylawenforcement@williamslake.ca, or in writing to the City.

The proposed Good Neighbour Bylaw supports the City’s goal to protect and improve the quality of life of its residents, promote civic responsibility, and to encourage good relationships between neighbours.

The proposed bylaw incorporates four main categories: Street Nuisances, Noise Control, Property Maintenance, and Vacant Buildings. While most of the Good Neighbour Bylaw will contain existing regulations, there are some changes proposed. Examples include:

Property Maintenance

New regulations would require residents to:

· Ensure no more than 1 unlicensed vehicle and no more than 1 recreation vehicle are on a property

· Clear sidewalks of snow within 24 hours of a snow event

· Keep properties clear of flyers and other debris

· Ensure compost sites are enclosed, or that a compost pile is not within 3 metres of another property

· Ensure outdoor lighting does not disrupt other residents or create a traffic hazard

Street Nuisances

· New regulations on panhandling, loud unruly noise, and fighting or loitering on City streets will give the RCMP additional tools to address these issues in a more informal manner, without the need to devote time and resources to a court process.

Noise Control

· The restriction on noise will remain in effect from 10 PM to 7 AM Monday to Friday. Noise restrictions will be in effect from10 PM to 8 AM on weekends and holidays.

· Construction for gain on Sunday would be allowed between 8 AM and 10 PM.

Vacant Buildings

· Regulations would address vacant buildings that are dilapidated, dangerous, improperly secured, subject of public complaints, and that have been vacant more than 60 days.

· Every owner of property that contains a vacant building must maintain $2 million in liability insurance and obtain a Vacant Building Registration Permit, and maintain the building in compliance with bylaw standards.

· Residential permits are valid for one year. Commercial permits are valid for two years.

“I encourage everyone to learn about the proposed changes in the bylaw, and to have your voices heard,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “We’re looking forward to the discussion at the Open House May 15th.”

The open house will be held at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall on May 15, 2014. Staff will be on hand to explain the Good Neighbour Bylaw and the proposed changes. More information is available from the City of Williams Lake website at williamslake.ca, or by calling 250-392-1765.

Link to proposed 'Good Neighbour' Bylaw here
Link to Good Neighbour Bylaw Presentation here