Question the Constable! is a segment the Sunshine Coast RCMP features weekly. Residents can email or tweet their questions related to the RCMP on the Coast, and each week one question will be answered. Persons submitting questions will have their information kept anonymous, and questions may be paraphrased. Submit questions via email: [email protected] or via Twitter: @COAST_RCMP. Please do not report crimes through email or Twitter, as these accounts are not monitored 24/7.
Question: What can I do if my neighbour’s weeds are growing onto my property, if I don’t like their fence or they have damaged my property while weed-eating, etc.?
Answer: Sunshine Coast RCMP often receive complaints from people who have disagreements with their neighbours. Some complaints may be about unsightly fences or a lack of yard maintenance, while others may be about property line disputes or neighbours who people feel are bullying them. In most instances, the extent of police involvement will be in the form of mediation. The majority of neighbour disputes do not constitute a criminal offence, nor do they meet the charge approval threshold for provincial statutes such as the Trespass Act. Neighbours may pursue remedy through civil litigation, or possible compensation for damages through their house insurance policy.
That being said, neighbour disputes are one of the most elemental examples of situations where we need to find ways to work together and get along with each other. Even if a criminal charge was laid, at the conclusion of the process, neighbours will still be neighbours and will still need to find ways to live alongside one another. There is no doubt that in many cases, one neighbour is clearly the antagonist, and police intervention is appropriate; however, in other cases, a series of relatively minor infringements by both parties contribute to a challenging and complex issue. Should things get to the point where personal safety or property is at risk, call Sunshine Coast RCMP to report the matter.
Residents are encouraged to respect the rights of those living alongside them, and to recognize that we all have different preferences when it comes to property maintenance and lifestyles. Being good neighbours with those around us will help us all to continue living the peaceful and idyllic lifestyle cherished by so many here on the Sunshine Coast.
