HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-14-001 - By-Law Enforcement Coverage - Lower Doon Staff Report
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REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: January 13, 2014
SUBMITTED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services
(519-741-2200, ext. 7079)
PREPARED BY: Shayne Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement, (519-741-
2200, ext. 7753)
WARD(S) INVOLVED: 4
DATE OF REPORT: January 7, 2014
REPORT NO.: CSD-14-001
SUBJECT: BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE— LOWER DOON
RECOMMENDATION:
For Information
BACKGROUND:
At the November 18, 2013, meeting of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, staff
were requested to prepare a report relating to the program of special by-law enforcement
coverage that has been put in place in the Lower Doon and Doon Pioneer Park areas during the
typical college school year, from September to April.
REPORT:
The By-law Enforcement Division has implemented special coverage in the residential areas
around Conestoga College, known to have a population of student accommodations. Such
coverage is in response to the recognition of the concerns associated with areas of student
housing.
This program, first implemented in 2007, consists of added coverage during times when a
higher than average call volume, relating to by-law enforcement concerns, have been
experienced in the residential area of Lower Doon, adjacent to Conestoga College, and the
Pioneer Park area (ie. Green Valley and Arrowhead Crescent).
This coverage, consisting of added officer shifts above and beyond the Division's normal
schedule, typically occurs on the weekend evenings in the months of September, October and
April. The program was first implemented with 2 areas of focus in mind:
1. To reduce response times to noise and parking complaints in the subject area; and
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2. To have by-law enforcement staff proactively engage the residents in the area, which
includes speaking to them in instances when a gathering appears to be taking shape
and encourage them to be respectful of the other residents in the neighbourhood.
The typical types of issues that require staff's attention during these shifts includes noise,
parking and public nuisances. The officers will also make observations related to property
standards and zoning concerns and relay that information to the designated property standards
officers for the area.
The following is an overview of the noise enforcement activity over the past 3 years, specific to
the subject area:
Total Noise Complaints received Proactive actions Total Noise
Enforcement during coverage during coverage Enforcement
activity (annual) program program activity during
coverage program
2011 105 28 33 61
2012 99 29 26 55
2013 121 27 47 74
Based on the above noted figures, it is evident that the majority of noise enforcement activity
occurs during times when the program of increased enforcement coverage is in place (ie.
September, October and April), compared to the rest of the year.
In 2013, 30 shifts were added over 15 weekends at an approximate cost of $10,000. This
annual cost has been absorbed by the Division's existing operating budget, as no additional
funding was provided at the time of implementation. The Division's part time wages cost center
has been in a deficit position in recent years, with this program being 1 of the contributing
factors.
In 2013, 14 noise charges were issued during the time when the increased coverage was in
place. Each charge represents a fine of $300. It is not accurate to assume that all fines are
paid in a timely fashion. However, if they were, the resulting fine revenue would be $4,200,
which is significantly less than the cost of the coverage.
It is important to note the program of coverage discussed in this report is in addition to the
normal attention given to the subject areas by means of daily property standards and parking
monitoring as well as the Trail Bike coverage available as weather permits. In addition, the By-
law Enforcement Division has an arrangement with Conestoga College to assist them with
monitoring their parking lots. This allows for officers to check the residential areas during the
times when they are in the area assisting with the private property enforcement.
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ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This request supports the Community Priorities of Quality of Life, as contained in the City's
Strategic Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost of the program of special by-law enforcement coverage in 2013 was approximately
$10,000. The City realizes some fine revenue from this enforcement activity. The potential fine
revenue from noise charges in 2013 is $4,200. However, it cannot be assumed that this fine
revenue will be received in the same calendar year as when the expense are incurred.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
This report is for information purposes so limited community engagement is required. The
report was circulated to the membership of the Town and Gown Committee once it was made
public.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services Department
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