Bylaw Enforcement

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) bylaws are in place to develop and maintain a safe and livable environment for all SLRD residents. The goal of SLRD Bylaw Enforcement is not to penalize residents, but to achieve compliance with SLRD bylaws through education and the provision of information. However, it is recognized that in some cases, compliance may require that penalties be issued.

Not all bylaws are in effect throughout all areas of the Regional District; some apply only in specified areas. Please refer to the Regulatory Bylaws in the SLRD Bylaw Directory for more information. View the SLRD's Bylaw Enforcement Policy here.

Bylaw Notice Enforcement

The SLRD uses a Bylaw Notice Enforcement system that allows staff to issue tickets (bylaw notices) for certain bylaw violations as outlined in Bylaw No. 1447-2016. Each offence carries a set fine as outlined in the applicable bylaw.

Some matters — such as firearms and motor vehicle speed limits — are not handled through this system.

If a bylaw notice is disputed, it is reviewed through an independent adjudication process rather than Provincial Court. This provides a more timely and cost-effective way to resolve bylaw matters.

How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints must be submitted in writing using the SLRD Bylaw Enforcement Witness Report Form.

You must provide your name, address and contact information (phone, e-mail and/or mailing address), and your relationship to the property or individual about which you are registering the complaint.

The form can be printed and filled out by hand, or completed electronically (download and save the form first so your changes are saved). Completed forms can be submitted by email, in person, or by regular mail.

For more details, see our Guide to the Bylaw Enforcement Process.

Other Reporting Options

Depending on the issue, you may also wish to contact the appropriate Provincial agency:

Reporting of Natural Resource Violations
Ministry of Environment Conservation Officer Service – Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)
Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) - Compliance and Enforcement
Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) - Compliance and Enforcement

Before You Submit a Complaint

Your contact information is kept confidential and will only be released if required by an order from the Provincial Freedom of Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Once a complaint is received, SLRD staff will review it and determine the next steps. In many cases, issues can be resolved directly between neighbours, and staff may suggest trying this first.

If needed, SLRD staff will take steps to ensure Regional District bylaws are followed. Actions may include:

Providing information or education
Issuing warnings
Applying penalties
Creating compliance agreements
Direct enforcement (work done by the SLRD or contractors at the property owner’s cost)
Seeking court orders or injunctions