How some B.C. cities are coping with increasing complaints over unsightly properties [Video]

It could be garbage or recycling lying about, overgrown gardens or yard waste. The way a neighbour keeps their property in order is a delicate balance for cities in B.C., some of which are dealing with an increase in complaints.

Burnaby recently changed its unsightly premises bylaws to better define what is considered untidy or neglected on private property, enabling staff to take expedited action without council approval.

The changes include allowing the city’s general manager of community safety to issue compliance orders and eliminating the need for council approval to hire contractors to do the job at the property owner’s expense.

Dave Critchley, the general manager of community safety for Burnaby, says the city now gets more than one complaint about unsightly premises a day, a big increase from a few years ago.

“People are becoming more vocal about their neighbourhood and more prone to reach out to express their views.”

Once a complaint is made, …