ST. PAUL - The County of St. Paul's Unsightly Conditions Bylaw is being reviewed to improve the municipality's ability to bring forward non-compliance issues to the courts.
An amendment to Bylaw 2021-18, Unsightly Conditions, was brought before County of St. Paul council on Oct. 12, to amend the definition for “Notice to Maintain Property.” The change will better reflect the bylaw enforcement officer’s authority under the bylaw through the Municipal Government Act.
When reviewing the recommended amendment, councillors expressed concern over the fact that the bylaw doesn't seem to differentiate between Country Residential and Agricultural properties.
Coun. Kevin Wirsta requested clarification, stating a lot of farmers would be in contravention of the bylaw due to a number of points, such as the section that states, "No property owner shall permit the accumulation in piles or otherwise of dirt, stone, garden waste, old implements, disassembled or broken vehicles, scrap iron, lumber, glass, furniture, appliances, food containers, wastepaper or cardboard on their property."
CAO Sheila Kitz said the bylaw has only been applied to residences that are zoned country residential or general urban.
Coun. Darrell Younghans also voiced concern, stating a portion of the bylaw speaks to old, unoccupied buildings.
"Some of those buildings are part of our heritage," said Wirsta.
A motion was made to table the item. Administration was directed to review the bylaw once more, and ensure it does not speak to residences that are zoned as agricultural.
*The Oct. 12 council meeting took place ahead of the Oct. 18 municipal election; however, all councillors quoted in this story have been re-elected to council.
