After months of meetings, debate and public discussion, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has finally adopted a new bylaw enforcement model.
The bylaw enforcement notice system (BEN) is a pilot project that will involve ports and sprinkling regulations.
"The new bylaw adjudication system shows what we can do when local government and the province work together to find creative solutions," said SCRD board chair Garry Nohr in a news release. "This new system has many benefits for Sunshine Coast residents, including reducing the costly, time-consuming process associated with not only issuing a ticket under the current municipal ticket information (MTI) system, but disputing bylaw offences through the court system as is currently required."
According to the SCRD, the BEN system will run concurrently with the MTI system.
The new system, as set out in the provincial government's Local Govern-ment Bylaw Notice Enforce-ment Act, is intended to resolve disputes in a simple, cost-effective manner at the local level rather than through the provincial court system. According to the SCRD, it will improve efficiency in serving tickets, paying and collecting fines, and delivering a streamlined process to the public.
Those wishing to dispute their ticket may do so by contacting the SCRD within 14 days of issuance. At that point, the adjudication is a three-step process:
The individual disputing a ticket (disputant) will have the opportunity to speak with a screening officer who will then review the ticket and may cancel it, confirm it, or enter into a compliance agreement if appropriate. If the screening officer confirms the ticket, the disputant may pay the fine or request adjudication.
If adjudication is requested, the adjudicator must provide the parties to the dispute with an opportunity to be heard. The disputant can request service by mail, fax, phone, email or in person. The SCRD will always present the case in writing to the adjudicator.
Adjudications will be conducted at the SCRD or other available facility where the public can attend. The adjudicator will determine whether the bylaw notice should be cancelled or upheld. If the notice is upheld, an adjudication fee of $25 will be charged to the disputant to assist the SCRD in recovering the costs of the adjudication system.
For more information about the new BEN system, check out www.scrd.ca.
