Municipal tickets

The goal of Bylaw Services is to encourage compliance with local bylaws. Bylaw enforcement officers work with residents, business owners, and community organizations to resolve issues through education and awareness. Most bylaw infractions are resolved through voluntary compliance.

If voluntary compliance is not achieved — or if the violation is serious (e.g., illegal dumping) — officers may issue a municipal ticket under the authority of the Community Charter (SBC 2003) Chapter 26 Part 8. 

Fines and penalties

The maximum fine for a bylaw violation through a municipal ticket is $1,000, as outlined in the Community Charter Bylaw Enforcement Ticket Regulation.

To view detailed fine amounts, see the Municipal Information Ticket Bylaw No. 2435, 2006. [PDF - 215 KB].

Responding to a ticket

If you receive a municipal ticket, you have two options:

  • Pay the fine.
  • Dispute the allegation.

You must respond within 14 calendar days from the Date of Service shown on the front of the ticket.

Option 1: Paying the fine

    • By mail: Send a cheque or money order (in Canadian funds, payable to The Corporation of the City of Courtenay).
      • Do not send cash.
      • No receipt will be mailed.
      • Include the following details to ensure your payment is properly credited:
        • Ticket number (top right of the ticket).
        • Your full name and mailing address.
        • Date of the offence.
        • Bylaw name and section.
      Mailing address:
      The Corporation of the City of Courtenay
      830 Cliffe Avenue
      Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2J7
    • In person: Visit the address above during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Bring your ticket and payment with you.

Important: If you do not provide enough information with your payment, it may not be processed correctly and the fine could remain outstanding.

By paying the fine, you are deemed to have pled guilty to the offence.

Option 2: Disputing the ticket

If you choose to dispute the ticket, you or your representative will be required to attend a hearing at the Provincial Court of British Columbia.

How to dispute a ticket

  • Download and complete the Municipal ticket information dispute form [PDF - 152 KB].
  • Save the form to your computer, fill it out, and save it again.
  • Print and sign the form.
  • Submit the completed form within 14 calendar days from the Date of Service by mail, fax, email or in-person.

Submit to:
City of Courtenay Bylaw Services
830 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2J7
Fax: 250-334-4241
Email: info@courtenay.ca

Your dispute must be delivered or postmarked within 14 days from the Date of Service. If you do not respond in time, you will be deemed to have pled guilty and must pay the fine.

After you submit the dispute form

You will receive a notice by mail from the Provincial Court Registry with the date, time and location of your hearing.

If you do not attend the hearing, the ticket will be treated as not disputed. You will be deemed to have pled guilty, and the fine will be immediately payable.

What happens if you do nothing?

If you do not pay the fine or dispute the ticket within 14 calendar days from the Date of Service:

  • You will be deemed to have pled guilty.
  • The fine becomes immediately payable.