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Bylaws need to be enforced

Where's the bylaw officer when a bylaw needs to be enforced, one reader asks.

To the Editor,

Who is responsible for enforcing bylaw regulations?

For the past forty years, I have been a happy resident/vacation rental owner at Sproat Lake…until this summer.

Case in point: I’ve been having an issue with my neighbour about shrubs encroaching on my property.

After requesting a survey be done by Acres and Pollack, my property lines were established.

But where can a bylaw enforcement officer be reached?

I feel that every Sproat Lake property owner needs to receive a copy of our bylaws and then be held accountable.  Perhaps the student marine patrol could distribute copies of our bylaws while they are on duty and see boaters not abiding by these bylaws.

A more serious lake issue is skiers and wakeboarders coming too close to wharves and swimming areas.

Not only is there going to be a serious injury to swimmers/dock people but the beaches/foreshores are getting seriously eroded by big waves washing ashore from those complacent boaters.

Another serious issue is the rental of boats to individuals who do not have a valid marine license.  It is like an accident waiting for a place to happen.

These issues are serious and need to be enforced by an officer that could be hired on-call.

If not dealt with, the personal safety of our residents and properties are at serious risk.

Police patrols and checking for boat registration numbers and responsible behaviour/boating rules should be taking place.

Heather Mallory,

Port Alberni