Bylaw Services

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If you would like to make a complaint or report a Bylaw infraction, CLICK HERE or complete a written complaint form at City Hall or the Williams Lake Fire Hall.

City bylaws are intended to keep our city clean, healthy and safe for everyone.


The goal of Bylaw Services is not to penalize the citizens of Williams Lake or visitors to our City. We strive to achieve voluntary compliance through education and the provision of information to preserve the quality of life to which each citizen is entitled.
 
The Bylaw Services department enforces approximately 20 different bylaws and is responsible for:
•    Investigating bylaw complaints
•    Enforcing bylaw regulations and standards
•    Achieving resolutions to bylaw infractions through voluntary compliance or 
     enforcement
•    Public education

While there are certain areas of enforcement that are safety related and require proactive enforcement, the majority of these bylaws are enforced on a complaint only basis. This ensures that the Bylaw Enforcement Officers are serving the needs of the community and that the complaints received are of high importance.


Bylaw Enforcement Officers enforce bylaws to deal with common complaints such as:

•    Animal Control & Licensing
•    Traffic/Parking Enforcement
•    Unsightly Premises
•    Garbage/Recycling Cart Offenses
•    Sidewalk/Snow Removal
•    Noise
•    Zoning
To view City of Williams Lake individual Bylaws and specific regulations, CLICK HERE.

Report a Bylaw Infraction

It is the City of Williams Lake Bylaw Department's policy that complaints be received in writing and that the investigation be limited to the specific issue of concern expressed in the complaint.  The name and phone number of the complainant must be provided. When reporting an incident it is helpful to provide as much information as possible to enable conclusive and timely responses by our officers. If the concern relates to private property (i.e.. noise, garbage, unsightly property) providing the address is essential. Bylaw Enforcement Officers investigate complaints on private and City owned lands, to ensure compliance with bylaws and regulations are met, and to maintain a high level of public safety and neighborhood protection.

Bylaw Enforcement Officers approach each complaint differently, but a compliance-based response to a complaint initiates proactive prevention through a range of approaches including inspections, warnings, education and, if necessary enforcement.

Often complaints are resolved amicably between neighbours. If possible, it is recommended that each resident of Williams Lake attempt to resolve their issues before contacting Bylaw Services for assistance.


If you would like to make a complaint or report a bylaw infraction, CLICK HERE or complete a written complaint form at City Hall or the Williams Lake Fire Hall. 


Complaint information is considered confidential by the City of Williams Lake and your identity will not be revealed, as it is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. However, should the matter proceed to court and if required by direction of law, the City of Williams Lake may be required to disclose the information provided.
 
If you have an issue which requires more immediate attention, or you have a question, please contact us through the front desk at City Hall:
 •    By phone at 250-392-2311
 •    In person at our offices at 230 Hodgson Rd., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.