A quarterly municipal enforcement report showed 620 municipal enforcement occurrences since January of this year, with 209 of those resulting in tickets being issued, and $1,993 in fines collected.
Presented by chief operating officer Doug Wagstaff to council at last week's policies and priorities meeting (April 18), it marks the first time the town's administration has been able to produce a comprehensive report since beginning to use a new reporting tool several years ago.
According to the data, the town's peace officer issued 44 provincial tickets ñ 42 of which were for traffic violations ñ from 104 enforcement occurrences. An occurrence is counted when a bylaw or peace officer is notified of a possible violation, either by complaints made to the municipality, by notification from the RCMP or by witnessing it themselves. Not all occurrences result in a ticket ñ some may turn out to not be violations and in other cases, people might be issued a warning.
Out of 516 municipal occurrences, 165 bylaw tickets were handed out, including 89 for traffic violations, 29 for parking violations and two for unsightly premises. The vast majority of occurrences in the past three months were for parking infractions, which Wagstaff said is expected.
ìThrough the winter season when we are trying to do snow removal that is where we need the most cooperation from the public,î he said. ìPeople won't think of that now for the eight months we hope Ö but through the winter season that is certainly the number 1 issue.î
Wagstaff said enforcement priorities change as the weather improves.
"As spring comes, the focus is going to be on unsightly properties and getting those cleaned up,î he said.
As the snow melts, it often reveals things that have been hidden away during the winter months. Wagstaff said unsightly premises include junk in the yard as well as abandoned vehicles.
As the leaves start to green, enforcement officers will also be on the lookout for maintenance of trees and shrubs, speeding in playground and school zones, proper business licensing, and unruly pets.
ìAs the weather warms up that's where we start to get more dog and cat concerns,î he said, ìand begin to focus on those as well.î
The town employs two individuals in municipal enforcement ñ one is a community peace officer, certified to issue provincial citations in addition to municipal tickets. The other is a bylaw officer who focuses exclusively on bylaw infringements.
"As spring comes, the focus is going to be on unsightly properties and getting those cleaned up." DOUG WAGSTAFFCHIEF OPERATING OFFICER TOWN OF OLDS
