CANORA, SASK.- Canora’s bylaw administrator is reporting that consistent enforcement of the town’s bylaws on nuisance properties since 2018 is resulting in a noticeable change in the community.
“The Town of Canora works diligently to maintain a very clean, tidy and welcoming appearance,” said Brandi Zavislak, the town’s community development officer and bylaw administrator. “Part of being a relevant rural community is to be sure that the town doesn’t look in a state of derelict, abandoned and unwelcoming.”
Over the past three years, the town has taken many great strides and seen significant improvements in property cleanliness and overall neighbourhood appearance as a result of a proactive and consistent bylaw enforcement program, Zavislak said.
“Since we strengthened bylaw enforcement for nuisance properties in 2018, the Town of Canora has brought 431 properties to compliance and they have been cleaned up,” the bylaw administrator said. “This approach has resulted in noticeable change in community standards. Residents and business owners have become increasingly aware that longstanding or excessive property neglect will not be simply overlooked. As a result there as been a significant reduction in the number of properties requiring town intervention and contracted clean-up services.”
Zavislak said the collaboration between the bylaw enforcement officer on the ground and her department at town hall has been instrumental in creating a program that is efficient, consistent and proactive.
“The results have been visible throughout the community, with cleaner properties, improved neighbourhood appearances and a reduced reliance on municipal clean-up resources,” she said. “The effectiveness of our program has been recognized beyond our community and has been adopted by many surrounding communities near and far. I have mentored several communities and rural municipalities on our clean-up program.
“The Town of Canora’s format is a practical model for other communities.”
So far this year, the number of orders to remedy issued by the town is 51, which is a significant decrease compared to other years over the last six years, the bylaw administrator said.
Animal complaints up
The number of animal control complaints has significantly increased this year, Zavislak said.
“There are more and more animal control issues than ever.”
Zavislak said the town is asking residents to look after their animals and be responsible, adding that cats and dogs are not permitted to run at large.
“Please do not let your dog participate in excessive and prolonged barking. Fines are being issued and increased if it continues.”
The fines are added to the title of the property owner at the end of the year.
Dog and cat excrement is a growing concern, Zavislak said.
“Numerous dogs and cats are defecating on public and private property. If proof is provided, we now issue fines for animal littering and once again add the fines to the title of the property owner. As we see property standards improve, we now have a significant issue with animal control.”
Complaints should go to town’s front office
Zavislak said she and the bylaw officer receive 100-200 calls per month, with most bylaw complaints calls made after hours or on weekends.
“We have to follow protocol and have all calls or complaints go through the front office, so we direct people that way. Most calls that come in are from neighbours complaining about other neighbours’ messy yards, inoperable vehicles or vehicles parked on public roadways.
“We ask all residents to do their part, as a property owner you have the responsibility to keep up with the amenity of the neighbourhood. If your property affects the safety, health or welfare of the people in your neighbourhood, people’s use and enjoyment, you are infracting the Nuisance Abatement & Property Standards bylaw.”
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