The Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) bylaw enforcement services are down to two officers, and it’s causing a delay in response and investigations.
Matt Treit, the SCRD’s manager of protective services, told Coast Reporter via email that the bylaw department has been understaffed “due to an extended leave of absence” since March 2020, except for a three-month period from July to September when the SCRD hired casual staff for assistance.
“[U]nfortunately, complaints are not being resolved in as timely a manner as we would like. This week, the SCRD will begin the recruitment process for a third bylaw officer to help deal with complaints, which we hope will help us provide a better service to the community,” Treit said in an email on May 17.
He noted the SCRD receives hundreds of bylaw-related questions and complaints on an annual basis. Of those, more than 200 substantiated complaints require files for investigation, prioritized based on the nature of the violation. Some, including those related to public safety, are immediately acted on. Treit said, in general, there is ongoing communication with the complainant.
A notice on the SCRD website says “there may be significant delay in response to any bylaw complaints,” and that complaints will only be accepted in writing in the bylaw complaint form on the website. Complaints or questions regarding building issues can be directed to the building inspections services department.
