The purpose of the Bylaw Enforcement review project is to resolve bylaw enforcement matters efficiently and with minimal conflict by reviewing and amending Islands Trust Bylaw Enforcement policies, procedures, and guidelines to be administratively fair, reasonable, and transparent with the aim of restoring public confidence.

In March 2023, Islands Trust Council requested that the Office of the Ombudsperson undertake a review of enforcement policies and practices and provide feedback.

In August 2023 the Office of the Ombudsperson’s Consultation and Training Team submitted the ‘Voluntary Consultation on Bylaw Enforcement Policies and Practices within the Islands Trust’ report. In September 2023 Trust Council referred the project to the Regional Planning Committee and directed that the suggestions of the report be implemented, and that staff develop a work plan and project charter. A project charter and work plan was endorsed in February 2024 and work on the review proceeded under the direction of the Regional Planning Committee.

In March 2026, the Islands Trust Council approved updated Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement policies, procedures, and guidelines, including the revised Trust Council Policy 5.5.1 Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement. Designed to be fair, reasonable, and transparent, these updates aim to restore public confidence in our processes. To help community members navigate these changes, we have created the Islands Trust Bylaw Compliance & Enforcement Best Practices Manual – an easy-to-use guide to the updated processes.

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