BERWICK, N.S. — If all goes as planned, a bylaw enforcement officer will be out and about making foot patrols in a matter of weeks.
Town of Berwick chief administrative officer Michael Payne said the new, part-time position adds a special constable dedicated to municipal bylaws to the enforcement mix in Berwick. Payne, the first RCMP detachment commander for Berwick when the town contracted policing services to the organization in 1999, said RCMP officers have a broader scope that extends beyond municipal regulations.
“They typically don’t enforce municipal bylaws unless it’s a public safety sort of issue.”
The incoming bylaw enforcement officer can help address this service gap, he said.
He anticipates the new officer could be in place within four to six weeks.
“Over the past 20 years, we haven’t had a significant concern with municipal bylaws, or else the town would have pursued bylaw enforcement during that period. But the town is growing, and we do see a value in adding a bylaw service as part of the public safety continuum,” said Payne.
He listed municipal bylaws relating to dogs, second-hand smoke, peace and good order and unsightly premises as primary concerns starting out. The officer will have the ability to issue some summary offence tickets and enforce parking regulations as well.
“It’s a bit of a gap not having an enforcement arm and I can confirm that our enforcement model is going to be very much focused on education and voluntary compliance,” said Payne, who noted the visible presence within the community is a key part of the role.
“I anticipate three quarters of their time will be proactive, out in the community, talking with folks, doing foot patrols.”
