Bylaw Adjudication

What is Adjudication?

The Adjudication system allows the City to manage bylaw disputes locally rather than through the Provincial Court system. Violation notices can be disputed out of court with a private adjudicator appointed by the Provincial Attorney General Office.

Why is Adjudication used?

 
•    Simplifies the dispute process
•    More convenient for disputants, as attendance at an adjudication hearing is not mandatory  
•    Removes minor bylaw violations from the Provincial court system
•    Reduces ticket dispute time
•    Reduces need to employ lawyers or enforcement officers to take a case to court
•    More cost effective and efficient system
•    Helps ensure bylaw compliance

HOW DOES ADJUDICATION WORK?

Step One: You receive a Bylaw Notice

You have the option to either pay the Bylaw Notice or dispute it. You have 14 calendar days upon receipt of the Bylaw Notice to dispute it. If a dispute is not filed with the Bylaw Enforcement Department within the 14 calendar days, you will not be able to dispute it later. Disputes must be submitted on a Bylaw Notice Dispute Form. Dispute forms are attached to the Bylaw Notice. If you require an additional dispute form, please contact City Hall.

Dispute forms can be delivered (within 14 calendar days) to:

City of Williams Lake - Bylaw Services
450 Mart Street
Williams Lake, BC   V2G 1N3
Fax: 250.398.5623 
 
The City's Screening Officer reviews all disputes received by the City's Bylaw Enforcement Department.

Step Two: The Bylaw Notice Dispute Process

The City's Screening Officer will receive and review the Bylaw Notice Dispute Form and is authorized by bylaw to either:

•    cancel a Bylaw Notice;
•    enter into a Compliance Agreement and reduce the penalty upon compliance with the bylaw; or
•    uphold a Bylaw Notice.

If the Screening Officer upholds the Bylaw Notice, you will be given the option to request an Adjudication Hearing.
 

Step Three: The Adjudication Hearing

If the Screening Officer upholds the Bylaw Notice, you will be contacted with the date, time and location for an Adjudication Hearing. At the Adjudication Hearing, evidence shall be presented and the Adjudicator shall decide whether the offence did or did not occur. If an offence did occur, the violation notice must be paid in full, plus an additional $25 administrative fee. If an offence is deemed not to have occurred the violation notice is cancelled and no penalties are assessed.
 

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Payments Can Be Made:

Reduced penalty payment within 14 calendar days.

Full penalty payment after 14 calendar days.

By Mail:
Cheque or money order (no cash) can be sent to:
City of Williams Lake – Finance (Violation Payment)
450 Mart Street
Williams Lake, BC   V2G 1N3

In Person:
Cash, Cheque, Credit or Interac accepted
City Hall Cashier – Finance
450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Telephone:
1.855.392.2311

Online:
www.williamslake.ca