Victoria residents involved in minor parking bylaw infractions can now take their disputes to an independent adjudicator – helping to save them time, money and stress – instead of going to court.

By joining B.C.’s bylaw adjudication program, the City of Victoria has become one of more than 70 local governments contributing to more efficient use of provincial court resources by eliminating the roles of the court and court registries in administering and hearing these disputes.

The program allows local governments to manage most bylaw violations at the local level, using screening officers and independent adjudicators instead of court resources. This approach saves both local and provincial taxpayers time and money. As well, citizens typically can choose to dispute in person, in writing or by phone.

Each jurisdiction determines which bylaws it would like included in the process. The City of Victoria plans to use the system to handle parking ticket disputes.

As part of a broader strategy to reform B.C.’s justice system, the Province is increasing the number of alternative ways to resolve disputes, when appropriate, without requiring individuals to use the courts. The alternatives help to reduce stress, shorten the time required to resolve disputes and ultimately cut costs for all parties.

Quotes:

Attorney General Suzanne Anton –

“Our bylaw adjudication system, which has been in use for more than a decade, is one way we have improved and streamlined access to justice. Taking minor disputes out of the courtroom not only means they can be dealt with quickly and efficiently – it also reduces pressure on the courts and frees up their time to deal with more pressing matters.”

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps –

“We have been proactive in changing our approach to issuing parking tickets, so more people enjoy our downtown and comply voluntarily with what we feel are fairer parking prices and alternatives. The bylaw adjudication is a great next step – one that will be more cost-effective for all concerned and mean more timely, fair resolution of disputes.”

Quick Facts:

• It’s estimated that, since the system’s 2004 inception, it has provided for several thousand matters to be resolved and adjudicated outside the courts.
• The addition of Victoria and Enderby, both effective Dec. 18, 2015, brings the number to 75 local governments using the bylaw adjudication system. On average, a dozen more local governments have joined the program in each of the past three years.
• The system can deal with minor bylaw infractions ranging from parking tickets and dog licensing to noise and minor zoning infractions; however, the penalty for the infraction must not exceed $500.
• Individual municipalities track the number of bylaws managed by the adjudication process, and have screening officers who attempt to resolve disputes before formal adjudication.
• The deputy attorney general appoints qualified, independent adjudicators to the system.