Bylaw Enforcement

Bylaw Enforcement is the regulatory enforcement of bylaws of the Village of Buena Vista. Enforcement is carried out by Bylaw Enforcement Officers. The Village utilizes Regional Bylaw Services to provide its local enforcement with impartiality.

Bylaw Enforcement Officers interpret bylaws, monitor, and investigate regulatory matters, mediate, and enforce using education, warnings, and legal formal proceedings as appropriate to each particular case. The goal of Bylaw Enforcement is to achieve voluntary compliance through education and information. Members of the public are provided the opportunity to correct an offence before more serious enforcement action is considered; however, direct action may be taken if there is an immediate health or safety concern.

Bylaw contraventions are generally dealt with on a complaint basis, but they are also recognized while the Bylaw Enforcement Officer is travelling around the Village or investigating complaints in neighbouring areas, or if Village staff sees something amiss.
Bylaw Enforcement Officers & Village staff cannot be everywhere all the time and do not always see a violation as it is occurring and therefore, we encourage you to communicate any bylaw concerns with us!

The Bylaw Enforcement Officer provides services at 3 hours per week from May 1 - September 30;
and 3 hours per day every second week during October 1 - April 30.

Bylaw No. 06-15 To Appoint a Bylaw Enforcement Officer

Reporting a Bylaw Violation

Anonymous complaints will not be investigated. Should the complainant refuse to provide contact information, no action will be taken to investigate the complaint. All submissions received will be kept confidential and are collected in accordance with The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.We will not share your personal information with a neighbour or the property of concern. However, should the matter proceed to court and if required by direction of law, the Village of Buena Vista may be required to disclose the information provided. Due to privacy concerns, we will be unable to provide you details regarding the enforcement of a complaint beyond letting you know that the complaint has been followed up on.    Once all required information is provided, including dates and details of the violation, your full name and contact information, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer will begin an investigation into your complaint to determine if there has, or has not, been a breach of bylaw, and provide action if warranted. If it’s determined that no bylaw violation has taken place, no further action will be taken.

Often complaints can be resolved amicably between neighbours. Where possible, it is recommended that residents attempt to resolve their issues with their neighbours before contacting the office for assistance. Some issues are considered a civil matter, or a non-enforceable infraction between property owners. These issues may include tree branches overhanging into a neighbours yard, fence disputes and property line disputes.  The Village and Bylaw Enforcement Officers are unable to respond to complaints that are considered to be a civil matter.

Is it actually Bylaw Enforcement you need?

Sometimes it's hard to know when to call the Village for Bylaw Enforcement, or the RCMP when there is not an emergency. If the matter requires immediate assistance continue to use 911 for all emergencies such as medical, fires, car accidents and when criminal activity or a major crime has taken place.

For non-emergency situations, the Lumsden RCMP can be contacted at (306) 731-4270

Depending on the type of bylaw infraction, the Lumsden RCMP may be able to help you after hours and on the weekend as they also have the authority to enforce bylaws. Lumsden RCMP can be contacted in situations such as late-night noise from parties, traffic violations, etc.

Concerned about aggressive driving or any other traffic violation under The Traffic Safety Act, please contact the RCMP.

All citizens have a right to register a complaint if, and when they feel a violation has taken place. Suspected bylaw violations can be submitted below.