Area residents involved in minor bylaw infractions, such as animal and zoning complaints, can now take their disputes to an independent adjudicator working outside the traditional courtroom.

The Town of Golden joins 60 other local governments already using an adjudication system piloted eight years ago and offered through the Ministry of Justice.

The adjudication system eliminates the roles of court and court registries in the administration and hearing of these disputes, which saves time and money and makes more efficient use of court resources.

Another unique aspect of the adjudication system is that each local government determines which bylaws they want included. Golden plans to use the new system to enforce traffic control, animal control, zoning and waste collection and management more efficiently and effectively.

As part of ongoing reform to the justice system, the B.C. government is increasing the number of alternative ways to resolve disputes, when appropriate, without requiring individuals to use the courts. Court alternatives help to reduce stress, shorten the time required to resolve disputes and ultimately cut costs for both the individual and taxpayer.

Quotes:

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Taking a matter to court can be a lengthy process, and this system saves people time and helps reduce pressure on the courts without increasing costs to taxpayers. This will allow Golden to join the 60 other local governments who currently use this process."

Mayor of Golden Christina Benty -

"I am delighted to have Golden accepted into the bylaw adjudication system, which provides us the ability to be far more efficient and effective in enforcing several regulatory bylaws in our community. It will not only greatly improve compliance, but also public regard for our authority as we achieve greater success in enforcing rules that most citizens of our community accept and want followed."

Quick Facts:

• Sixty-one local governments throughout B.C. are currently using, or are in the process of developing, a bylaw dispute adjudication system.
• Dispute adjudication issues range from parking tickets to dog licensing and minor zoning infractions.
• The City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver were the first in B.C. to establish a bylaw adjudication system as part of a 2004 pilot project.
• Individual municipalities track the number of bylaws managed by the adjudication process, and they have screening officers who attempt to resolve disputes prior to the formal adjudication. The overall process has resolved and adjudicated several thousand matters since the inception of the program.
• Independent adjudicators are appointed by the deputy attorney general.
• The qualifications are prescribed in regulation and include:
• Experience as an adjudicator of disputes.
• Successful completion of specialized bylaw dispute adjudication training.
• Post-secondary training in adjudication

Media Contact:

James Beresford
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
778 679-8646