Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River town council was given an update by the new director of Protective Services at its regular meeting March 10.
“Our director of Protective Services, Daniel Cress, has been asked to give regular updates on the work of the department,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.
Cress presented a report to council, letting members know in February there were a total of 68 complaints reviewed, including complaints about garbage, traffic, traffic bylaws, sidewalks and others. These callouts resulted in 10 town tags issued, one provincial ticket issued, and 40 warnings given.
Year-to-date files amount to 131 files opened.
“Director Cress has been visible in the town and is meeting with business owners as well as residents to help inform them of bylaws and owner responsibilities, following up on complaints and issuing warnings and tickets,” says Manzer.
“Council feels this active service is and will continue to benefit the Town by enforcing bylaws and responsibilities of landowners, educating on Town processes with respect to Protective Services with the director being able to follow through some of the tickets to the court where necessary.”
Manzer says complaints about bylaws can be submitted online, which will help community members have quicker access to the service.
“The Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 2026 is intended to indicate the expectation that properties will be maintained regularly,” says Manzer of a bylaw that has been in the works since last summer. “For example, garbage being put in bins, grass and weeds being cut, etc.”
The purpose of this officer is to help alleviate some of the onus on administration and calls wrongly made to the RCMP.
“Once the CPO or bylaw officers notice or a complaint is received about a property, steps can be having an educational opportunity with the owner and issuing warning, tickets, tags,” notes Manzer.
“The director will eventually have responsibilities to oversee both Protective Services and the fire department. A second CPO officer is expected to start in April and the Town will evaluate the needs of the department as time goes forward.”
Manzer notes that there have been many benefits so far to including this new officer as a town employee.
“These officers are town employees and the town (chief administrative officer) will be able to access and deploy their work as best fits the needs of the Town as time goes on and budget considerations will be part of the assessment,” she concludes.