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FAQ

Bylaw Services & Answers to Common Questions

Bylaw Services staff play an important role in our community by making sure everyone respects and obeys Town bylaws that are in place to maintain an excellent quality of life in High River.

In January 2022, the new High River Bylaw Services model is in effect. The Town's Bylaw Services Team will focus on proactive community enforcement and increased public engagement and education. We look forward to working with you.

The role of Bylaw Services is to enhance public safety, contributing to a high quality of life in High River. The Town's Bylaw Services team works out of the High River Fire department building. Please see the new 24/7 Bylaw Complaints Phoneline and General Administration numbers in the sidebar to the right. Residents are also encouraged to use the online Report a Concern form.

A list of common questions is below, with information we hope will help explain some of the bylaws in place in High River. By following the rules, you help to keep your neighbours and neighbourhoods safe and enjoyable for everyone.

When should you call Bylaw Services?

  • Construction noise
  • Parking complaints
  • Snow removal
  • Animal complaints
  • Noise complaints within regular business hours

View more information about Bylaw Enforcement.

The Complaint Process

When you wish to file a bylaw concern, you can call the Municipal Enforcement 24-hour Complaint Line at 403.603.3643 and an officer will be dispatched to investigate your concern.

Please see the steps below to better understand the entire complaint and investigation process.

Step One: Initial Contact & Providing Information - When you call in a complaint, the dispatch centre will ask for your full name, date of birth, address, and a phone number where you can be reached. All personal information is kept strictly confidential. You will also be asked to provide details about what is occurring and where it is happening. It is important to provide accurate information so the investigating officer can best assist you.

Step Two: Assignment of Investigating Officer - Once the dispatch centre has collected the required information, a file is created and a Peace Officer is assigned to begin investigating your concern. The officer may need to contact you for additional information such as:

  • Names of parties involved (if known)
  • Date(s) and time(s) the occurrence(s) happened
  • Specific address of the occurrence
  • What you saw or heard
  • Outcome you are hoping to achieve
  • It is important to provide as much detail as possible about the matter. Investigation files remain open until the matter is concluded. Any actions taken will consider the outcome you are hoping to achieve, in conjunction with the enforcement discretion of the investigating officer.

Step Three: Follow Up - During the course of an investigation, you may be required to provide a written statement and/or testify in court as a witness. If you are not willing to take these actions, the officer may be limited with enforcement action. A charge may not be laid and the only course of action may be to give the offender(s) a warning.

Step Four: Completion of Investigation - At the conclusion of an investigation, the Peace Officer will inform you of any action or enforcement taken and the final outcome.

    Steps to resolve the complaint can include:

    • Educating the offender(s)
    • Providing an opportunity for compliance
    • Requesting compliance and setting a time frame to resolve the matter
    • Issuing a warning
    • Issuing a ticket with a voluntary fine amount
    • Issuing a summons requiring appearance in court (the accused may still have the option to comply before going to court).