Weeds an issue for bylaw officer

By Jamie Rieger
The hot, dry weather may have taken its toll on the crops and grass, but the weeds have sure been thriving this summer. Most municipalities have bylaws in place that target the issue of weeds and the responsibility of pulling, whacking and eradicating them is up to the resident or property owner.
Bow Island bylaw officer, Jason Schreiber said he has not issued as many weed notices as he has this year and advises people to keep up with their weed-pulling.
“I have not sent out as many weed notices as I have this year. It is a problem. I try to talk to people as much as I can, but there are some who are getting fined,” said Schreiber.
Schreiber said he has had multiple conversations with some people and always gives a courtesy call prior to issuing a ticket.
“According to the MGA (Municpal Government Act), I have to send out a Section 545 Remedy Order first. After that, if things haven’t been corrected, I can give a ticket. My frustration is why does it have to get to the Order stage?” he said. “A weed notice can go to tenants, but the main copy goes to the property owner, who may not even live in the area. So, sometimes it may take a little longer before it’s taken care of.”
In Bow Island, residents and property owners are responsible for taking care of the weeds and grass on the properties, as well as adjacent boulevards and laneways.