News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes

A combination of innovative ideas and being a ‘street presence’ in their community is the goal of the new City Bylaw Enforcement team. Besides researching what works in other municipalities, they search out ways to implement ideas in ways that work with the businesses and residents in Williams Lake. 

(Headed by Debbie Wood, the Bylaw team includes Evan Dean and Brendan Foote.)

Evan Dean recently moved to Williams Lake from Chilliwack where he worked in animal control for two-and-a-half years, Brendan Foote has been born and raised in Williams Lake and Debbie Wood has worked several years in the City’s bylaw department. They each bring unique skills, experience and knowledge to the bylaw team. 

They said that some of the things they’re focused on are graffiti, dog licensing, responsible dog ownership and parking.

“With the new graffiti system, we now have ability to report it online, and are working on linking it to Crimestoppers.  We want to encourage people to report graffiti. It helps us to keep statistics and be able to report which areas are getting hit—helping us know what we can do better in the future.

“We do our own patrols, know certain areas that attract graffiti and we check for new hits. If you see someone applying graffiti, report it to the RCMP,” Evan said. “Graffiti vandals are often repetitive, and if they’re caught in one instance, they will often be linked to others.”

Debbie said that it’s important for the team to be visible and approachable. “If you need help or if there is an issue facing the community, we’re here to help,” she explained. “Our goal is to regulate bylaws and to make it clear why they still benefit the community.”

Evan said that a big deal has been made about parking and that the downtown is affected if a parking spot is blocked all day. “It impedes their customers. It’s a matter of sharing and being considerate. There are ample, convenient parking areas throughout town,” he said. “It’s a community standard. When people ask what we do, we say that we try to uphold the community standard.”  

The bylaw enforcement team works with the Downtown Business Improvement Association. “We meet with them about their concerns and want to work side by side with them,” Debbie said. “Good bylaws properly regulated and enforced benefits the whole community: residents, businesses and customers alike.”

Responsible dog ownership and dog licensing is a priority with the bylaw enforcement team. “When someone licenses their dog through the City, 40% of the fee goes directly to the SCPA, and back into services around problem dogs. If your dog is licensed and goes missing or taken to a shelter, there is proof of ownership and your dog will get home sooner,” she continued. “Also if we have an idea of numbers, we can provide better information and services for the community. It helps lost or stray animals.”

Evan said that license tags are available at the City and at Total Pet. “When you’re dealing with a lost dog, it’s difficult if you don’t know anything about the dog,” he said. “If we know his name and where he lives, it’s more efficient and easier for both the owner and the dog.” 

“This is a matter of developing and strengthening rapport with people,” Debbie said. “We’re a team in the community and a team with the community.”

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