FAQs • Hinton, AB • CivicEngage

What does it mean when the town claims that a property is a nuisance?: A nuisance property, often referred to as unsightly, is defined as an "annoying, unpleasant, potentially dangerous, or obnoxious thing or practice.” The Town of Hinton Nuisance Bylaw has specific provisions that address the standards that properties must be kept in; more specifically, it details how they should not be kept. In most cases, when a property is claimed to be unsightly or nuisance, it is due to neglect of articles in the yard as opposed to what the articles are.

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Bylaw Services

1. What are the hours of the Protective Services / Bylaw office?: Regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We typically have a Peace Officer working in the community from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm on Monday to Friday. Our Peace Officers are also on call for emergencies after hours.

2. How do I contact the Protective Services / Bylaw office?: Calling 780-865-6009 is the best way to reach the office Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. After hours our telephone is monitored 24/7 by our dispatch centre when we are not available to answer the phone. Dispatch will get the message to our personnel right away.
You can also email the office at bylaw@hinton.ca

3. What is a Community Peace Officer and what is their role?: A person who works to uphold and enforce certain laws and regulations given specific authority by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. In Hinton, we currently have two CPO Level 1’s and two CPO Level 2’s (administrative). Our level 2 Peace Officers can manage/enforce various legislation such as animal protection act, dangerous dog act, traffic safety act and all Town of Hinton Bylaws. Our Level 1 Peace Officers also enforce these legislations as well as gaming and liquor act and traffic moving violations such as speeding, distracted driving, seatbelts.

4. What are some examples of complaints I make at the Protective Services / Bylaw office? What questions can we answer?: - Animals: dogs at large, barking dogs, dog licencing
- Fire Pits requirements and restrictions
- Noise complaints, snow removal, unsightly properties, parking complaints

5. What information is required to make a bylaw complaint?: Alberta Justice and Solicitor General sets administrative requirements for record keeping and operational data. This includes obtaining the complainant’s name and contact information such as address and phone number as well as details of occurrence and location. All information is kept confidential and not released to anyone without permission.

6. Are property owners responsible for sidewalk snow and ice removal?: As per the Town of Hinton's Nuisance Bylaw, a property owner is responsible for the removal of snow, ice, and other debris on all sidewalks fronting or flanking the property. In failing to remove the snow and ice, the property owner becomes liable for any accident or injury resulting or caused by such. For the safety of all persons, the Town of Hinton requests that all property owners maintain their sidewalks as necessitated by weather conditions. Please contact Bylaw Services at 780.865.6009 for more information.

7. When is the deadline for registering my dog / cat with the town?: The registration validity now spans a full calendar year from the date of purchase to expiry. For example, if you buy a tag on October 7, it will remain valid until the following October 7. The bylaw states that if you have acquired an animal, you must register it within seven days of getting the animal. The seven-day requirement would also apply to new residents.
The bylaw also states each residence is allowed a maximum of two dogs or cats.

8. What does it mean when the town claims that a property is a nuisance?: A nuisance property, often referred to as unsightly, is defined as an "annoying, unpleasant, potentially dangerous, or obnoxious thing or practice.” The Town of Hinton Nuisance Bylaw has specific provisions that address the standards that properties must be kept in; more specifically, it details how they should not be kept. In most cases, when a property is claimed to be unsightly or nuisance, it is due to neglect of articles in the yard as opposed to what the articles are.