Municipal Tickets

Compliance with Bylaws

The overall goal of Bylaw Services is compliance with bylaws. Bylaw enforcement officers working collaboratively with residents, business owners, and community organizations typically achieve compliance through awareness and education. As a result, most bylaw infractions are resolved through voluntary compliance.

Failure to Comply with Bylaws

When voluntary compliance is not achieved or if an offence is egregious (i.e., illegal dumping), bylaw enforcement officers may issue a Municipal Ticket in accordance with the British Columbia Community Charter (SBC 2003) Chapter 26 Part 8. 

Fines and Payments

The penalty established for any contravention enforced through a Municipal Ticket may not exceed $1,000 - the current maximum penalty permitted under the Community Charter Bylaw Enforcement Ticket Regulation.  For more information on municipal tickets and fine amounts, please see the City of Courtenay Municipal Information Ticket Bylaw No. 2435, 2006. [PDF - 215 KB]

Responding to a Ticket

If you have been served a Municipal Ticket Information by a City of Courtenay bylaw enforcement officer, you may pay the fine or dispute the allegation contained in the ticket.  

Paying the Municipal Ticket Information Fine

Please follow the instructions here on HOW TO PAY THIS TICKET or on the back on your ticket.  NOTE: You have 14 days from the DATE OF SERVICE on the face side of your ticket to pay the fine.

Disputing a Ticket

You may dispute a ticket issued to you. If you dispute the allegation contained in your ticket you or your agent will have to attend the Provincial Court of British Columbia for a hearing. 

-How may a ticket be disputed?
If you wish to dispute your ticket, please complete the City of Courtenay Municipal Ticket Information Dispute fillable form [PDF - 152 KB].

To complete:

  1. Save the form to your computer and fill out the form fields. Save again.
  2. Print and sign the application.

Please mail, fax, email, or drop this dispute form off in person within 14 calendar days from DATE OF SERVICE on the face side of your ticket.

City of Courtenay Bylaw Services 
830 Cliffe Avenue Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2J7
Tel:  250 334-4441       
Fax: 250-334-4241
Email: info@courtenay.ca 

-How much time do I have to dispute?
If you wish to dispute, you have up to 14 days from the Date of Service shown on the face of this ticket to deliver, have delivered or mail your notice of dispute. Your notice of dispute must be postmarked on or before the 14th day from the date of service of this ticket.

If the fine is not paid or the allegation contained in this ticket is not disputed within 14 days from the date of service of this ticket, you will be deemed to have pled guilty to the offense charged and the fine amount will be immediately payable.

-What happens after my notice of dispute has been received?
You will receive notice in the mail from the Provincial Court Registry informing you the time and location of your hearing. If you do not attend the Court on the indicated date, the ticket will be treated as not disputed, you will be deemed to have pled guilty to the offense charged and the fine amount will be immediately payable.

 ________________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO PAY A MUNICIPAL TICKET

You may pay by mail, by sending your cheque or money order (payable to the Corporation of the City of Courtenay, in Canadian funds) to the address below. Do not send cash in the mail.  A receipt will not be sent back to you.  

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF COURTENAY
830 CLIFFE AVENUE
COURTENAY, B.C. V9N 2J7                                  

Your payment must be accompanied by a copy of the other side of this ticket, or a note giving sufficient information to identify this ticket, including:

  • The TICKET NUMBER (from the top right hand corner on the face of your ticket)
  • Your FULL NAME and MAILING ADDRESS
  • The DATE OF OFFENCE and the BYLAW NAME and SECTION of the offence

NOTE: If you do not provide sufficient details, your payment might not be credited to you, and the fine may remain outstanding.  By paying the fine, you will be deemed to have pled guilty to the described offense.

CAN I PAY FOR THIS TICKET IN PERSON?
Yes. You may make payment at the address above during regular business hours. Present this copy of the ticket, along with your payment.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT PAY?
If the fine is not paid or the allegation contained in this ticket is not disputed within 14 days from the date of service of this ticket, you will be deemed to have pled guilty to the offense charged and the fine amount will be immediately payable.