Here's how to deal with a bad neighbour in Calgary

No one likes dealing with a bad neighbour, but luckily, the City of Calgary has resources to help residents navigate any trouble they might be experiencing.

From noisy backyards and overgrown lawns to disputes over pets and parking, the City provides guidance, rules, and support to help keep neighbourhoods in order. 

Good neighbour practices

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To help mitigate problems between neighbours, the City of Calgary offers a good neighbour practices guide on their website. The guide provides links to frequently referenced bylaws, which set minimum standards for how properties should be maintained and how residents should act within neighbourhoods to maintain safe, clean, and healthy communities.

Some commonly referenced bylaws on the good neighbour practices guide include noise, untidy properties, vehicle parking, graffiti, land use bylaws, fences and retaining walls, and pets. 

Many common neighbour disputes fall under the Community Standards Bylaw, which contains regulations for property owners and property maintenance. Penalties for violations within the Community Standards Bylaw can range from $100 to $5,000.

If you are aware of a bylaw infraction, you can file a complaint with the city.

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Filing a bylaw complaint

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“While informal communication with neighbours is a simple way of addressing neighbourhood concerns, in situations where this is not a viable option, Calgarians can call 311 to make an inquiry or to file a complaint for investigation.”

According to the good neighbour practices, Calgarians also have access to the Community Mediation Calgary Society (CMCS). CMCS offers free mediation and conflict resolution services to the Calgary area, which can be a helpful first step in trying to resolve disputes. 

To file a bylaw complaint, you can either submit an online form or call 311. You will need to provide your name, phone number, the address and location of the property you wish to file a complaint about, a brief description of your complaint, and any available photos of the infraction. 

The website states that anonymous complaints will not be accepted; however, your information is confidential. 

Enforcement

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After a complaint is registered with 311, it will be assigned a file number and then forwarded to a peace officer who will investigate the issue. The enforcement procedure varies depending on the type of complaint. 

If the complaint is a public safety hazard, City of Calgary crews or an appropriate contractor will be assigned to resolve the issue.

Private property owners who commit bylaw infractions will be given a Remedial Order. A Remedial Order gives private property owners 21 days to solve the reported problem.

After 21 days, a peace officer will investigate, and if the issue has not been resolved, a Notice of Corrective Action will be issued, and City of Calgary crews or contracted personnel will complete the work and invoice the private property owner.