Discussions

I did give them my name when I complained on a neighbors yard. They told the neighbor who complained when they brought her notice to get it cleaned up.

I was honestly going to call myself about this issue. It's a constant scrap yard year round. But a very dangerous situation, especially the car that honestly looked like a snow hill. I was worried a plow might just blow through it and an operator could be injured. The trailer with the lawn tractor on it was just rediculous! He has a driveway and garage, yet everything is just left everywhere year round. I actually know the man, have suggested he should clean the crap up, but only when bylaw is called does anything get cleaned up temporarily. Wait till spring when the 40 foot sailboat shows up and blocks the street again while he "works on it" lol. The house across the street isn't much better. Thanks for making the call.

Brenda said "I did give them my name when I complained on a neighbors yard. They told the neighbor who complained when they brought her notice to get it cleaned up. "

Unfortunately this is true. In my experience it seems that bylaw is a bit irritated with some complaints and don't want to do the job. This just confuses me because if residents know the bylaw, shouldn't the bylaw officers KNOW the bylaws? If the officer doesn't agree with your complaint, good luck getting them to do anything about it. That's when you contact the mayor and city manager. Shouldn't have to be this way.  
 
As for this OP's complaint, it's disappointing. It's disappointing that it takes a resident to make a complaint even though how many city employees (bylaw/police/city department heads possibly) drove by this potential safety hazard and did nothing? For how long? The city need to revisit and revise their complaint-driven system.

the complaints process in Brandon should be revised.  
Having lived in Calgary, for example, the outlined the protocol:  
When a complaint is registered, this is the procedure that is followed:  
 
The information is assigned a file number and entered into the computer system.  
A copy of the complaint and all supporting documentation is forwarded to the area bylaw enforcement officer.  
The assigned bylaw officer will visit the home or business premises named in the complaint. Due to the high volume of complaints registered and limited City resources, it can take several days before an initial visit occurs. Complaints are handled on a priority basis. Priority is given to those with a serious public safety implication.  
If there appears to be a bylaw infraction, the bylaw officer visits the property and attempts to contact the owner. The officer discusses the infraction with the owner in an attempt to achieve compliance. The officer may issue a written notice, warning the property owner to resolve the matter by a specified deadline.  
If the owner is not home, the officer will issue a written notice, warning the property owner to resolve the matter by a specified deadline.  
The officer may make periodic check-ups before this deadline.  
Following the expiry of the deadline, the bylaw officer will revisit the premises to determine whether the matter has been resolved. In some cases, property owners will request extensions to their deadlines. If the officer believes the property owner is acting in good faith, the request may be granted.  
If, upon a return visit, the bylaw officer finds the property owner has not complied with the warning, he may arrange for City crews or contracted personnel to perform the work required to resolve the problem (remove snow or cut tree branches, for example). When this occurs, the property owner is subsequently invoiced for the cost of performing the service.  
Will someone get back to me about my complaint?  
A bylaw officer will attempt to contact the caller to acknowledge receipt of their complaint. However, due to the very high volume of activity, we cannot guarantee a callback.  
 
Edited by Oryx, 2017-01-13 19:02:47

Hackeda said "    Brenda said "I did give them my name when I complained on a neighbors yard. They told the neighbor who complained when they brought her notice to get it cleaned up. " Unfortunately this is true. In my experience it seems that bylaw is a bit irritated with some complaints and don't want to do the job. This just confuses me because if residents know the bylaw, shouldn't the bylaw officers KNOW the bylaws? If the officer doesn't agree with your complaint, good luck getting them to do anything about it. That's when you contact the mayor and city manager. Shouldn't have to be this way.     As for this OP's complaint, it's disappointing. It's disappointing that it takes a resident to make a complaint even though how many city employees (bylaw/police/city department heads possibly) drove by this potential safety hazard and did nothing? For how long? The city need to revisit and revise their complaint-driven system. "

These are extremely well paid officers who need to be reminded they have been hired to enforce Brandon by laws, not just drive around, looking for the easy expired meter tickets.  
 
There are literally dozens of vehicles parked on streets right now - quite obviously having not been moved in weeks. Road workers have plowed around them causing dangerous messes. There are trailers constantly left unattended year round without trucks attached. We have a new officer hired specifically for garbage issues, yet from what I hear others are putting in numerous complaints before he will even attend, then the issue still does not get resolved.  
 
even animal control would rather give warnings than follow the laws.  
 
I agree, there needs to be an overhaul of this city system.

Oryx said "the complaints process in Brandon should be revised.   Having lived in Calgary, for example, the outlined the protocol:   When a complaint is registered, this is the procedure that is followed:     The information is assigned a file number and entered into the computer system.   A copy of the complaint and all supporting documentation is forwarded to the area bylaw enforcement officer.   The assigned bylaw officer will visit the home or business premises named in the complaint. Due to the high volume of complaints registered and limited City resources, it can take several days before an initial visit occurs. Complaints are handled on a priority basis. Priority is given to those with a serious public safety implication.   If there appears to be a bylaw infraction, the bylaw officer visits the property and attempts to contact the owner. The officer discusses the infraction with the owner in an attempt to achieve compliance. The officer may issue a written notice, warning the property owner to resolve the matter by a specified deadline.   If the owner is not home, the officer will issue a written notice, warning the property owner to resolve the matter by a specified deadline.   The officer may make periodic check-ups before this deadline.   Following the expiry of the deadline, the bylaw officer will revisit the premises to determine whether the matter has been resolved. In some cases, property owners will request extensions to their deadlines. If the officer believes the property owner is acting in good faith, the request may be granted.   If, upon a return visit, the bylaw officer finds the property owner has not complied with the warning, he may arrange for City crews or contracted personnel to perform the work required to resolve the problem (remove snow or cut tree branches, for example). When this occurs, the property owner is subsequently invoiced for the cost of performing the service.   Will someone get back to me about my complaint?   A bylaw officer will attempt to contact the caller to acknowledge receipt of their complaint. However, due to the very high volume of activity, we cannot guarantee a callback.     Edited by Oryx, 2017-01-13 19:02:47"

I wonder if the City of Brandon has a detailed procedure like this? If so, it's definitely not being followed.  
 
I think any halfwit would agree that certain calls would take priority of course. What I don't understand about Brandon is how bylaw officers can pick and choose which issues to actually deal with.  
 
Bylaw officers telling residents to "talk it out" sounds all community-minded until some nut job offs their neighbour because they don't want to chat.  
 
Residents of Brandon pay the salaries of city employees. We all have the right to access city services. We need to keep calling/writing until we are satisfied with the city's response to our concerns.

issues with bylaw. The animal control guys are great and do what they are supposed to but bylaw disappoints most time as issues aren't resolved. Mostly to deal with people littering, we do have a littering bylaw don't we?

MrMechanic said "I was honestly going to call myself about this issue. It's a constant scrap yard year round. But a very dangerous situation, especially the car that honestly looked like a snow hill. I was worried a plow might just blow through it and an operator could be injured. The trailer with the lawn tractor on it was just rediculous! He has a driveway and garage, yet everything is just left everywhere year round. I actually know the man, have suggested he should clean the crap up, but only when bylaw is called does anything get cleaned up temporarily. Wait till spring when the 40 foot sailboat shows up and blocks the street again while he "works on it" lol. The house across the street isn't much better. Thanks for making the call. "

people in the neighborhood would agree I lived around the block for 4 years and he hasn't changed I moved away since but when I drive by occasionally things are the same and messing yard.

I see there is a car with a for sale sign in the window sitting in roughly the same spot that the trailer with the lawn mower was sitting. Far as I can tell this car has not moved all week.

Roger said "I see there is a car with a for sale sign in the window sitting in roughly the same spot that the trailer with the lawn mower was sitting. Far as I can tell this car has not moved all week. "

For the OP, I know how frustrating it is to live near junk yards. Hopefully, if bylaw is called enough, the situation will improve for your area. It''s disappointing when one or two neighbours treat the neighbourhood like a landfill site. Good luck.  
 
How many bylaw officers does Brandon employ? I know there are two animal control officers but unsure of others.  
 
There was a new position created for a Sanitation Bylaw Officer. Does anyone know if this a different position than the Public Educator Officer or is this one in the same? I can''t find any information about it on the city/police websites. I''d like to find a job des:cription on each position if possible. (Please don''t tell me to contact the city or council for info. I assume this would be another question they would be tight-lipped about so I don''t want to waste my time-again).  
 
Another thing to note: during budget deliberations, specifically about the A.R. building greenspace, it was noted that the city has raised it''s standards for city parks - thus costing more money (tax dollars spent) despite some councillors debate for simple, less expensive ideas. My point is if the city of Brandon has raised the standards for public greenspace, is it safe to assume they are raising the standards for all property owners? Nice, fancy parks are great but nice, well kept residential areas & city property should be a priority also without the system being dependent on complaints from citizens. Perhaps the city should/could find some standards consistency. Just a taxpayer with concerns.  
 
Edited by Hackeda, 2017-01-28 09:36:40

Contact the media. Sometimes that works and makes the people or City pay attention to the issue....just saying!!

noticed a van sitting in the 400 block of 2nd street all covered in snow and no plate.

Hackeda said "    Roger said "I see there is a car with a for sale sign in the window sitting in roughly the same spot that the trailer with the lawn mower was sitting. Far as I can tell this car has not moved all week. " For the OP, I know how frustrating it is to live near junk yards. Hopefully, if bylaw is called enough, the situation will improve for your area. It''s disappointing when one or two neighbours treat the neighbourhood like a landfill site. Good luck.     How many bylaw officers does Brandon employ? I know there are two animal control officers but unsure of others.     There was a new position created for a Sanitation Bylaw Officer. Does anyone know if this a different position than the Public Educator Officer or is this one in the same? I can''t find any information about it on the city/police websites. I''d like to find a job des:cription on each position if possible. (Please don''t tell me to contact the city or council for info. I assume this would be another question they would be tight-lipped about so I don''t want to waste my time-again).     Another thing to note: during budget deliberations, specifically about the A.R. building greenspace, it was noted that the city has raised it''s standards for city parks - thus costing more money (tax dollars spent) despite some councillors debate for simple, less expensive ideas. My point is if the city of Brandon has raised the standards for public greenspace, is it safe to assume they are raising the standards for all property owners? Nice, fancy parks are great but nice, well kept residential areas & city property should be a priority also without the system being dependent on complaints from citizens. Perhaps the city should/could find some standards consistency. Just a taxpayer with concerns.     Edited by Hackeda, 2017-01-28 09:36:40"

How about looking after residential areas too?  
 
One issue that bugs me... cars parking on their front lawns instead of getting a permit and installing a proper driveway. Why is this allowed?

people who put blankets in their windows to act as window coverings/drapes/shades. It is a bylaw in some Canadian cities.

Oryx said "people who put blankets in their windows to act as window coverings/drapes/shades. It is a bylaw in some Canadian cities. "

a bylaw in some cities? Or just in certain neighbourhoods? lol, what about people who use foil to keep the sun out? Would that be against their bylaws too?

What are your thoughts if the city of Brandon had enforcement officers that there job was to enforced and fined on the by laws.  
 
This could be a huge revenue generator for the city as well clean up a lot of issues that are breaking by-laws. It would cause a lot of initial issues with complaints and such. The real question is why have laws and by-laws if there are no consistent enforcement of the by laws?  
 
Interested to hear peoples thoughts.

Parking on lawns isn't allowed. I know of a neighbour getting ticketed for this. What boggles my mind is why it "bugs"people; it's their lawn - taxes paid. The cost of digging out & paving a new part of driveway can be prohibitive. When a couple work shifts - different start times - they parked side by side; yes, one one THEIR lawn.

I think this would be fantastic. Also I wish the by-laws would be made clearer and followed up on. My neighbor consistently runs drills, saws and does construction ( using jack hammer, bobcats etc) at night. The by-law states that noises from construction or snow blower, etc can only be done until 10pm, But noises from a party, etc, can go on till 11pm. So when I've called police (cause if I don't construction noise has gone on till 3am), then tell me the neighbor has till 11 to make construction noise. Then they attend after 11 when it's still going on and tell him he can only do that construction till 11 (but really it's supposed to be 10).  
So I call by-law to look into times, and they had to look into what's allowed. They called back and said I'm right and according to bylaw neighbor has to stop construction by 10pm. But they also stated that it reads different in the criminal codes the police follow (hence why police think it's 11pm). So they told me to print the bylaws off of the website and highlight them, then next time I call the police I'm to show them the highlighted copy of the bylaws to prove it's supposed to be done by 10pm. Why am I supposed to show police the bylaws... shouldn't bylaw do this???  
And the garbage bins... ugh. My neighbor leaves his bins out all the time. They never come in. The bins are not on his side of the alley. So every time the lawn needs to be mowed everyone has to move his bins around behind their house in order to mow and maintain that area. That's not fair, and everyone is frustrated, but these people don't care, cause they aren't getting called out on it with bylaws.  
And fire pit permits. I do not want to have to call the fire department and waste those important resources (same with police for that matter on bylaw calls). said neighbor burns all his crap ( even treated lumber) less than a metre from my property, with no permit. Police didn't do anything about fire on one of their calls for noise, because that's not their dept.  
 
And these are just part of the bylaws I'd like to see enforced. As for parking on lawns, are you allowed to park motor homes in the back yard?? It's not a big deal and not harming anyone, just curious about that.  
 
So yes I'd like to see enforcement officers, to enforce and fine, as well as more follow up from bylaw and not having to take away from resources like police and fire to do the job.  
Just my opinion!

MDG said "Parking on lawns isn't allowed. I know of a neighbour getting ticketed for this. What boggles my mind is why it "bugs"people; it's their lawn - taxes paid. The cost of digging out & paving a new part of driveway can be prohibitive. When a couple work shifts - different start times - they parked side by side; yes, one one THEIR lawn. "

people pay their taxes, it's their lawn, so if they don't want to mow their lawn they can let it grow all summer?

Well it looks like the original op's problem was solved.  
I will add even though some bylaws are outdated or should be turfed, most have a reason.  
 
The note to neighbor thing is okay but unless you know your neighbor approaching could be pushing it.  
 
I just think either the bylaw officer is over worked or we need a crackdown on unregistered vehicles or trailers etc that sit far too long on city property or streets once or twice a winter that is not complaint driven but by bylaw officers and maybe some temps.  
 
No different than a crackdown on certain traffic infractions that reminds us not to roll through stop signs speed or u balls at controlled intersections and such.

Johnbisonbear said "    MDG said "Parking on lawns isn't allowed. I know of a neighbour getting ticketed for this. What boggles my mind is why it "bugs"people; it's their lawn - taxes paid. The cost of digging out & paving a new part of driveway can be prohibitive. When a couple work shifts - different start times - they parked side by side; yes, one one THEIR lawn. " people pay their taxes, it's their lawn, so if they don't want to mow their lawn they can let it grow all summer? "

if there lawn is not mowed and full of weeds, thistle, by-law will leave a notice for them that they have so many days to get their lawn cleaned up.  
 
Because where are all those weeds and thistle spreading too? My lawn.

Brenda said "    Johnbisonbear said "    MDG said "Parking on lawns isn't allowed. I know of a neighbour getting ticketed for this. What boggles my mind is why it "bugs"people; it's their lawn - taxes paid. The cost of digging out & paving a new part of driveway can be prohibitive. When a couple work shifts - different start times - they parked side by side; yes, one one THEIR lawn. " people pay their taxes, it's their lawn, so if they don't want to mow their lawn they can let it grow all summer? " if there lawn is not mowed and full of weeds, thistle, by-law will leave a notice for them that they have so many days to get their lawn cleaned up.     Because where are all those weeds and thistle spreading too? My lawn. "

said that parking on their their lawns bugged you: now you've gone to another topic. If their lawns don't get mowed all summer, the city will do it & add the cost to their taxes. Big difference than parking a 2nd vehicle along side the first one IMO.

MDG said "    Brenda said "    Johnbisonbear said "    MDG said "Parking on lawns isn't allowed. I know of a neighbour getting ticketed for this. What boggles my mind is why it "bugs"people; it's their lawn - taxes paid. The cost of digging out & paving a new part of driveway can be prohibitive. When a couple work shifts - different start times - they parked side by side; yes, one one THEIR lawn. " people pay their taxes, it's their lawn, so if they don't want to mow their lawn they can let it grow all summer? " if there lawn is not mowed and full of weeds, thistle, by-law will leave a notice for them that they have so many days to get their lawn cleaned up.     Because where are all those weeds and thistle spreading too? My lawn. " said that parking on their their lawns bugged you: now you've gone to another topic. If their lawns don't get mowed all summer, the city will do it & add the cost to their taxes. Big difference than parking a 2nd vehicle along side the first one IMO. "

did I say parking on their lawn bugs me? Please post my exact comment, cause I am sure I did not say that. I don''''t care if people park on their lawn. Please show me. My only previous post was back on Jan 13.  
 
Also, the city won't mow their lawn at first. They will get notices from by-law. (been there done that, watched my neighbor throw a fit at the by-law officer)  
 
Edited by Brenda, 2017-01-29 20:58:58

Bylaw needs to crack down on vehicles parked on city sidewalks. The sidewalks aren't hidden by snow so that's not the issue. The tax payer pays for the bylaw officer to do his/her job and because they aren't fining drivers for this we'll pay for repairs/replacement to sidewalks also. I consider this double dipping into the tax payer's pocket.  
 
I'd like bylaw to do something about people who park in the driveway but block the city sidewalk.  
 
I thought there was a bylaw about extension cords being laid across the sidewalks to vehicles on the street? Almost broke my neck tripping over a cord!  
 
My biggest disappointment is when a resident makes a legitimate complaint and nothing is done or the officer does not follow the bylaw and take action. As one other poster said, why have bylaws if officers are going to cherry-pick which infractions they will attend to? And sadly, nothing will improve until someone gets seriously hurt or killed. It wouldn't be a good day if there were complaints made and nothing done beforehand.

Oryx said "people who put blankets in their windows to act as window coverings/drapes/shades. It is a bylaw in some Canadian cities. "

I'd just be happy if my neighbours closed their blinds/drapes. Some things you just can't unsee.  
 
Nothing says this neighbourhood has class like blankets on the windows. Tinfoil is another issue lol.

Hackeda said "    Oryx said "people who put blankets in their windows to act as window coverings/drapes/shades. It is a bylaw in some Canadian cities. " I'd just be happy if my neighbours closed their blinds/drapes. Some things you just can't unsee.     Nothing says this neighbourhood has class like blankets on the windows. Tinfoil is another issue lol. "

flags, blankets with animals on them (wolves, eagles, etc), garbage bags or bed sheets! Super classy for sure! I'm pretty sure that for the price people are paying for these fuzzy blankets, flags etc.. you can buy some cheap drape panels at Giant Tiger.  
 
These are probably the same people who park on their lawn, don't mow it in the summer and party into the wee hours of the night as well (as per the above noted posts) lol

Yes the issue on 22nd Street has been cleaned up. He even blew out the snow his crap had built up. I give him credit for that. I know from experience that it'll all be a great mess come summer, but for now it's good. Bylaw in Brandon sucks bad. Too busy driving people away from living, parking or participating in anything downtown. Go Brandon bylaw ......

Oryx said "    Hackeda said "    Oryx said "people who put blankets in their windows to act as window coverings/drapes/shades. It is a bylaw in some Canadian cities. " I'd just be happy if my neighbours closed their blinds/drapes. Some things you just can't unsee.     Nothing says this neighbourhood has class like blankets on the windows. Tinfoil is another issue lol. " flags, blankets with animals on them (wolves, eagles, etc), garbage bags or bed sheets! Super classy for sure! I'm pretty sure that for the price people are paying for these fuzzy blankets, flags etc.. you can buy some cheap drape panels at Giant Tiger.     These are probably the same people who park on their lawn, don't mow it in the summer and party into the wee hours of the night as well (as per the above noted posts) lol "

sounds like you are singling out a particular segment of our society and that's disappointing to me.  
 
BTW, cheap panels from GT work for me.

Just how much demand is there for downtown parking spots compared to a quiet residential street?  
 
The officers are where they are needed most.  
 
I would think that most people's tune on this topic would change in a big way if they gave the by-law officer's job a try for a couple shifts.

I thought of this discussion the other day while going to the Ukrainian pavilion. There was a car parked, covered in snow and obviously been there for some time. Tires have been marked by by-law so someone must have complained. Curios why it's still sitting there and hasn't been towed yet