GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Bylaw activity in Guelph/Eramosa has increased substantially over the last three years, most notably in 2021.
On Jan. 17 bylaw enforcement and property standards officer Ivan Lunevski provided council with a summary of bylaw enforcement in the township from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021.
“The increase in bylaw complaints since the year 2018 has been astronomical as you can see in the numbers in the report,” Lunevski told council.
The report noted a consistent and significant rise in bylaw complaints each year since 2018.
“We have a 525 per cent increase in 2021 from 2018 and a 296% (increase) when compared to 2019,” Lunevski explained to council.
“[In 2021] alone we’ve received 325 complaints.”
A year over year comparison of bylaw complaints and inquires from 2017 to 2021. (Screenshot from meeting)
In 2021, the bylaw enforcement department received 607 inquiries on the township’s bylaws and 325 complaints were investigated as alleged violations, according to the report.
Of the 325 bylaw complaints received last year, 253 have been closed as of the end of 2021 and 72 currently remain under investigation.
Areas with a higher number of complaints included parking (49), property standards (48) and zoning (48).
The majority of the complaints received required a full investigation, the report states.
“The township has managed to obtain compliance on the majority of the complaints received and is working towards obtaining full compliance on the remaining properties,” the report notes.
An overview of open and closed complaints in the township from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021. (Screenshot from meeting)
“So far we’re doing pretty well with catching up with the complaints because the end of the year gets a little bit quieter,” Lunevski noted.
“I’m happy to hear that council approved the full-time position for Guelph/Eramosa.”
The position was approved as part of the township’s 2022 budget.
“That’s going to give us an opportunity to be able to get a prompt response for our community,” said Lunevski.
“That’s almost one a day in terms of the numbers there,” Mayor Chris White pointed out.
“We’ll be pleased to have that full-time service.”
To view the full report, visit the township’s website.
