Editor:
Regarding the re-beautification of our town and the good neighbour bylaw, as a proud homeowner in Hope, I am saddened by the un-kept state of some private homes and boulevards around town.
I recently had a meeting with the new mayor and the CAO of the District of Hope about real concerns of mine which are: (a) the un-kept state of many properties (broken down fences, unsightly junk lying around); and (b) the constant parking and storage of all types of vehicles (cars, derelict cars, unlicensed vehicles, trailers) by many residents on the boulevards and in driveways. At this meeting, I supplied pictures of these infractions (my interpretation of the by-laws). As far as I can ascertain, their reaction to date has been to do nothing.
Despite the street and traffic bylaw in the Good Neighbour booklet, sub-section ‘Avoid Tickets and/or Towing,’ which states “Don’t Park on the sidewalk or boulevard,” there are numerous infractions all around town that are never addressed. As well, there are many untidy properties around town despite the unsightly premises bylaw.
The bylaw also states property owners are responsible for maintaining the boulevard and lane adjoining their property; however, how can this be done when the boulevard is a parking lot?
But it’s not just residential properties, I also wonder how can the District enforce the unsightly premises bylaw when it doesn’t respect the bylaw itself? I am referring to the property that was the old community gardens and the adjacent flower display that was formerly maintained beautifully by Community Garden volunteers—the District bought it and now it’s an eyesore.
Why is a taxpayer who maintains his/her property in a responsible way subjected to an unsightly view as it relates to massive trailers (not parked at least behind the property line), boulevards which are used as parking lots and yards that seem to be storage places for junk?
I have been advised the enforcement of the good neighbour by laws is complaint-driven, however, I believe the solution would be to hire a second bylaw enforcement officer who has the authority to enforce these by-laws.
Jon Nigh