Disputing Bylaw Offense Notice

The District's Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1636, 2013 and adjudication system encourage compliance with District bylaws and provides 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.

Adjudication

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.