Staff Report: Building and Bylaw Enforcement Report

Protective Services & Community Services Report

TO: Committee of the Whole
DATE: April 9, 2015
FROM: Paul Hurst, Director of Protective Services
MEETING DATE: April 14, 2015
FILE NO.: 7200-70

BUILDING AND BYLAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receives this report for information;

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER'S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To update the Committee on the operations of the Building and Bylaw Department.

BUILDING:

Focus for this past month has been strongly influenced with the move to the new Public Safety Building. The move has been successful and organization of systems has begun. A task undertaken during this new transition has been to tighten systems, seek improvements on daily procedures and implement ways to improve customer service with better communications and file management.

Along with the relocation of the Department, daily tasks were completed and standards were maintained.

Eagle Creek has indicated that the start of tenant improvement permits will be anticipated to commence shortly. “The Nest Café” located at 2311 Watkiss Way and “The Lil Pasta Place” at 1519 Admirals Rd have now completed construction (watch for the openings soon). 1900 Watkiss Way has begun the framing stages.

BYLAW:

Transition from the fire department to the new Public Safety Building was completed with minimal interruption of service.

Number of files for this reporting period is slightly above for the same reporting period in 2014.

The 40 Days for Life Vigil (February 18 thru to March 29) has now concluded. This vigil saw a dramatic increase in presence of people over 2014. Two groups were present, (Pro-life and Pro-choice) occupying the corner of Helmcken and Island Hwy. The attendance numbers for the groups ranged from two to nine people daily. The increase in activity also saw an increase in staff time in dealing with the monitoring and responding to 11 written complaints from the general public (9 from View Royal residents, 2 from other municipalities), and numerous telephone complaints from residents and commuters who transit thru View Royal on a daily basis. The Director of Protective Services, Bylaw officer, RCMP and Island Health will be meeting post vigil to discuss to discuss the event.

Focus for April will be follows up on all outstanding Business Licenses (15 in total) and Secondary Suite Permits (7 in total 4 Type 1’s and 3 Type 2’s).

REVENUE:

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receives this report for information.

SUBMITTED BY:
Paul Hurst, Director of Protective Services

REVIEWED BY:
Kim Anema, Chief Administrative Officer