Bylaws are the rules and regulations through which local governments operate and which permit residents enjoyment of their properties while protecting from negative impacts to and from neighbouring properties. There are bylaws covering zoning, unsightly premises, building, noise, open burning, and weapons, just to name a few.
The Bylaw Compliance Division is also responsible for parking and traffic enforcement. Over the summer months, the Commissionaires are contracted to provide parking enforcement.
The majority of bylaws are enforced on a complaint-only basis. In accordance with District policy, complaints involving private property will be acted upon if the complaint is made by an individual or individual(s) by telephone, in person, in writing or by email.
The nature of the complaint will be reviewed to determine whether a contravention has occurred. If it is determined that there is no contravention, the complainant will be advised that no further action is being taken. Where a contravention is determined, the property owner/occupier will be encouraged to voluntarily rectify the situation.
To make a complaint, please ensure that all complaints include your name, address, phone number, relationship to the property or individual that you are making the complaint about, and the issue. This information is considered confidential and will not be released, unless under an order made by the Provincial Information and Privacy Commissioner, or if required in a court of law through due process. Anonymous complaints are not accepted.
Complaints may be made by email using the form below or in person at Municipal Hall. Responses will be provided within 10 business days during regular office hours, including complaints received on evenings and weekends.
There are a number of ways you can pay a Bylaw Offence Notice. Payments must be received within the noted time limits to receive the discounted amount. No exceptions will be made.
Pay By Mail:
Cheque or money order only.
District of Coldstream
9901 Kalamalka Road
Coldstream, B.C. V1B 1L6Please make your cheque or money order payable to the District of Coldstream. Do not send cash in the mail. A dishonoured cheque will not be considered payment of the penalty within the prescribed time. Additional charges will apply to NSF cheques. Postmarks are not accepted as date of payment.
Pay in Person:
Debit card, Cash or Cheque
8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
District of Coldstream Municipal Office
9901 Kalamalka Road
Coldstream, B.C.After Hours Payments:
For payments outside of regular hours at the Municipal Office, a drop box is located outside the main door of the office at 9901 Kalamalka Road. Do not leave cash in drop boxes.
Questions/Inquiries?
Please contact Bylaw Enforcement office at 250-545-5304.
Payment Terms:
- If the ticket is paid within 14 days, a discount will apply, depending on the amount of the issued notice.
- If after 14 days the ticket is not paid, and the ticket has not been disputed, the opportunity to dispute the ticket is lost and the penalty will immediately become due and payable.
- If after 28 days, the ticket is not paid, a surcharge will be added, depending on the amount of the issued ticket.
- If after 28 days, the bylaw notice has not been paid, nor a request for an Adjudication Hearing made, a letter is sent providing final opportunity to pay. If payment is still not received after a further 28 days, the ticket may be forwarded to our collection agent and/or court action taken.
Bylaw contraventions may be enforced with ticketed fines through either:
The District's Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1636, 2013 and adjudication system encourage compliance with District bylaws and provide for timely and cost-effective dispute resolution for minor bylaw contraventions.
Should you receive a Bylaw Enforcement Notice (BEN) you will have up to 14 days to either pay a reduced penalty or dispute the Notice. After 14 days, disputing a Notice will not be an option and the regular penalty will apply. If Notices remain unpaid, a late penalty will be assessed.
To dispute Bylaw Notices, complete the dispute/request for adjudication section on the back of the ticket and submit it to the District (by fax, email, or in person) within 14 days of receiving* the notice.
The disputant will then be contacted by a Screening Officer who will review the case and, if appropriate, cancel the Notice. If the Notice is not cancelled, it will be forwarded to the Adjudicator, or paid, whichever the disputant chooses.
*For Bylaw Enforcement Notices (BEN) sent by mail, the BEN is considered received after 7 business days from date sent.
In situations where the Screening Officer is unsuccessful in resolving the dispute, a Bylaw Adjudication Hearing may be requested.
Independent adjudicators will determine whether a bylaw infraction occurred. If the Adjudicator determines that the infraction occurred, the full penalty will be applied as well as an adjudication fee of $25. If the Adjudicator determines that no bylaw violation has occurred, no fine or adjudication fee will be applied. The Adjudicator does not have the authority to modify the offence or the penalty.