The Town of Hanna council doesn’t want the municipality accepting anonymous bylaw complaints and made that statement through a resolution at their Dec. 9 regular meeting.

Councillors read a report from Bylaw Officer Skye Suntjens suggesting that the municipality accept anonymous bylaw complaints under some circumstances. The report noted that currently the public can file complaints in person or through an online form, but the Town of Hanna doesn’t accept any anonymous bylaw complaints.

Suntjens stated that allowing anonymous complaints does have some advantages such as increasing the likelihood of the reporting of concerns, especially from residents concerned about neighbourhood conflict, but anonymity does have some drawbacks. Suntjens stated cons to the idea include an inability to follow-up on an investigation plus the possibility of malicious complaints.

Suntjens suggested the town pass anonymous complaints along to the bylaw officer who would only proceed if the complaint is backed up with evidence.

Coun. Angie Warwick asked if Suntjens, while she’s investigating a bylaw complaint, tells the alleged perpetrator who complained about them; Suntjens answered no, but it was mentioned later in the meeting that if a bylaw complaint goes to court, the identity of the complainer is included in the charge.

Coun. Warwick also asked if it’s possible for anyone in the public, including non-residents, to file anonymous bylaw complaints. Suntjens responded it was possible but she usually only gets complaints from residents.

Staff also observed that each bylaw officer that’s worked for the Town of Hanna has some preferred strategies for bylaw enforcement in town.

During discussion councillors stated anonymous griping could increase the bylaw officer’s workload and that the Town of Hanna already has a public complaint process in place. It was also stated that anonymity could encourage frivolous or malicious complaints.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk stated he was not in favour of accepting anonymous bylaw complaints. “I just don’t think I’m comfortable giving somebody the tools to anonymously critique,” said the mayor.

Councillors unanimously agreed to maintain the status quo when it comes to bylaw complaints, requiring the complainant's identity.

Helping hand

Councillors approved the Town of Hanna providing the Village of Youngstown on-call bylaw officer services. “The Village of Youngstown has approached the Town of Hanna seeking municipal bylaw enforcement support,” stated a staff memo. “Youngstown does not currently have regular access to a trained bylaw enforcement officer and wishes to secure on-call services.”

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn stated Youngstown reached out to Hanna regarding the idea, and Youngstown’s council has already approved it.

Mayor Povaschuk asked Suntjens if providing on-call bylaw service to Youngstown would be a problem for her and she answered it would not be a problem. The memo noted “on-call” meant service was only provided when Youngstown requests it and there would be no regular patrols conducted.

During discussion councillors wanted to know if two bylaw issues came up at once, which complaint would be the priority?

Norburn responded that since bylaw complaints such as uncut grass or unshovelled snow tend not to be urgent or dangerous Suntjens should rely on her judgement.

Councillors approved the Town of Hanna providing on-call bylaw officer services to the Village of Youngstown.