What is a nuisance?
A nuisance is anything that interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of your neighbour's property or health. This includes dust, smoke, bright outdoor lights, loud noise, and debris that blows onto other yards. Wrenford's by-laws are designed to keep our neighbourhoods safe and comfortable for everyone.
Rules for your property
Under the Property Standards By-law 2019-112 and Clean Yards By-law 2019-113, you must keep your property tidy and ensure that anything causing a nuisance stays on your own land. Key rules include:
- Keep dust, smoke, and odours from drifting onto neighbouring properties.
- Direct outdoor lighting so it does not shine into adjacent homes or onto the street.
- Secure papers, leaves, and light debris so they cannot blow away.
- Manage water runoff so it does not flood or damage a neighbour's yard.
- Remove graffiti from your property within 48 hours to qualify for the Clean Canvas Program reimbursement.
If you are unsure about a specific situation, a By-law officer will review factors like how often the issue happens, how intense it is, and how it affects the surrounding area.
Back lanes and summer enforcement
From April to September, City crews assess and re-grade every gravel back lane to keep drainage flowing and surfaces smooth. During this time, a By-law officer is also dedicated to inspecting back lanes for community standards.
Common back lane infractions include:
- Unsightly premises, graffiti, construction waste, or littering under the Property Standards and Clean Yards by-laws.
- Placing dirt, gravel, concrete, sheds, garbage enclosures, or any obstruction on City property without a permit under the Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075.
- Trees or shrubs overhanging the lane at an elevation of less than 4.1 metres (13.5 feet).
Back lanes in Wrenford are often gravel to keep development costs down for homeowners. If a majority of property owners (67 per cent) along a lane want it paved, they can start a local improvement petition and agree to pay their share of the cost.
How we handle complaints
When you report a nuisance, a By-law officer investigates the location and gathers details. We take every report seriously, but we also need accurate information to act quickly. If a violation is confirmed, the officer will issue a notice to the property owner. Repeated violations can result in fines, which are handled through the Provincial Offences Act.
How to report a nuisance
Know a property that is falling out of compliance? Help us keep Wrenford clean by reporting it. You can dial 311 from inside the city or call 519-555-0100 from outside the city limits. You can also submit a complaint online through the 311 app or the City's website.
To help our officers respond faster, please be ready with the following:
- Your name and address
- A primary and alternate phone number
- The exact address and location of the property in question
- A brief, clear description of the issue
- Photos or videos, if you can safely take them
Your information stays confidential. We do not accept anonymous complaints, as our officers may need to follow up with you directly.
Need help?
For questions about how a by-law applies to your home or business, contact the By-law Enforcement team.
Manager: Noah Feldman
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-555-0100