Bylaw Services in Ucluelet

In Ucluelet, as with many small coastal communities, regulatory bylaws are intended to facilitate a diverse residential and business community, living and working within a small geographic footprint.

Regulatory bylaws are drafted and implemented at a local government level and therefore may differ somewhat from community to community. In general, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer's mandate is to obtain and enforce general compliance with the provisions of the bylaws relating to the health, safety and welfare of the community.

While there are some areas of enforcement that require direct intervention, responding to complaints from the public comprises a large portion of regulatory bylaw enforcement. Complaint issues may include:

• Excessive noise
• Property conditions, including graffiti or other acts of vandalism
• Traffic and parking, including unauthorized overnight parking
• Business licensing
• Garbage, including improper storage of attractant garbage
• Open burning

How to Register a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted in writing and must include your name, address and phone number, along with a brief description of the issue and relevant past history. Complainant information is considered confidential and will not be released to the public unless ordered by the Province. By making a complaint, you are consenting to having a bylaw officer contact you for the purpose of collecting additional information.

In rare cases, the municipality may require the complainant to come forward as a witness in a prosecution. A complainant would normally be interviewed concerning this requirement at the time of the initial complaint or during the interview process.

The Bylaw Complaint form can be downloaded from Publications, Forms & Bylaws or picked up at the District Office, 200 Main Street, Ucluelet.

Bylaw Complaints forms may be submitted by mail at PO Box 999, Ucluelet or email at bylaw@ucluelet.ca or dropped off at the District Office. There is a dropbox available outside the District Office for use outside of regular business hours.

Response from Bylaw Services

Once a complaint is officially received, depending on the nature of the complaint, a Bylaw Services Ambassador or designated Bylaw Officer is assigned to investigate the potential bylaw violation.  This investigation may include a field inspection, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing extrinsic sources of information.  The assignee then decides how best to proceed.  Education is the primary response for any infraction, but in some cases escalation may be necessary resulting in a warning, which is generally sufficient to end the offending behaviour.  In extreme cases, the Ambassador or Officer is authorized to give written fines.

Pay a Ticket

Municipal tickets may be paid in person at the District Office or by mail. You have 14 days to pay or dispute a ticket (MTI) before legal proceedings may be initiated against you.

The District of Ucluelet bylaws are in place to develop and maintain a safe and livable environment for its residents.  To this end, the District reserves the right to enforce all Municipal Bylaws in the best interest of public safety, quality and enjoyment of a neighbourhood and the community.