Bylaw Enforcement

Bylaw Enforcement

Fort Macleod Bylaw Enforcement

The Role of the Bylaw Enforcement Officer

Under direction provided by Council and the CAO, reporting to the Director of Community & Protective Services and in accordance with the Town Bylaws, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer supports Council's commitment to residents by enforcing municipal bylaws as well as engaging with the community to educate and create awareness specific to municipal bylaws.

This position provides the following to our community: 

  • Partners with citizens to resolve issues through education and enforcement to achieve bylaw compliance. 
  • Investigate bylaw-related complaints.
  • Enforce Council approved bylaws.
  • Conduct community patrols.
  • Collaborate with internal and external agencies and citizens.

Our Bylaw Enforcement Officer works collaboratively with the Fort Macleod RCMP to ensure a thorough and diligent approach to enforcement within the authority granted to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer through Bylaw 1909.

Frequently Requested Bylaws 

Bylaw 1922 Dog Control

Bylaw 1979 Animal Control

Bylaw 1837 Traffic

Bylaw 1920 Community Standards

Bylaw 1926 Water Utility Bylaw - Includes Water Restriction Section

Bylaw 1909 Bylaw Enforcement Officer

ADM39 Dog Adoption Policy

*NEW* Animal Control Bylaw and Application Forms

Bylaw 1979 was passed by Town Council at the June 10, 2024 Council Meeting. This bylaw was created for the provision of regulating and controlling animals and the care of animals within the Town of Fort Macleod. Prior to this bylaw coming in to effect the regulations surrounding animal units, zoning and other animal concerns were contained within the Land Use Bylaw. The Land Use Bylaw will no longer be referred to when animals are concerned, unless needed for accessory structure (sheds, barns, coops) development at which time a development and building permit may be required. 

With the development of Bylaw 1979 it should be noted that the keeping of urban hens and urban bees were added to this bylaw both of which requires a license to have on a property within Town Limits, application forms for the keeping of urban hens and or urban bees are below. Full details are contained with the Bylaw link below. Quick Information sheets are also available.  

Reminder that this Bylaw does not replace Bylaw 1922 - Dog Control Bylaw 

Bylaw 1979 - Animal Control Bylaw

Urban Bee Keeping Information Sheet

Urban Bee Keeping Application Form

Urban Hen Information Sheet

Urban Hen Application Form 

 

Adopt a dog

As at July 19, 2023 - Fort Macleod Adopt a Dog program initiated.

The Town of Fort Macleod, along with many other jurisdictions in southern Alberta, are seeing major influxes in surrendered and "drop off" dogs. Currently we contract kennel services out and do not have a local shelter to house animals for long periods of time. Due to the number of dogs in our care, and being at maximum capacity at the kennel, we have a need to open these dogs to adoption and assist us in placing animals in a safe and caring home. A copy of the policy and Dog Control Bylaw are listed above.

If you are interested in meeting one of the dogs we currently have in custody or would like more information, please reach out to our Bylaw Officer Steve at bylaw@fortmacleod.com

ADM39 Dog Adoption Policy

Community Safety

2024 Community Safety Survey
Strategic Benchmark Report

Purpose:
As part of the Town of Fort Macleod’s Strategic Plan, Council has committed to enhancing and evaluating community safety through the implementation of an Annual Community Safety Perception Survey. This initiative reflects Council’s priority to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. The 2024 survey is the first of its kind and serves as a critical benchmark to inform future decision-making and track progress over time. 

Survey Participation Summary:

  • Total Respondents: 126

  • Residents of Fort Macleod: 86.51%

Key Insights from 2024 Survey:

  • Daytime Safety: 81% of respondents feel very or somewhat safe in their neighbourhoods during the day.

  • Nighttime Safety: Perceptions decrease at night, with only 59% feeling very or somewhat safe.

  • Main Concerns Identified:

    • Property crime and theft

    • Drug activity and loitering

    • Lack of street lighting

    • Perceived limited police presence

  • Reporting Behavior: 82% are very or somewhat likely to report suspicious activity.

  • Community Involvement: Residents emphasized the importance of neighbourhood watch programs, improved communication, and active reporting.

Areas for Assessment:

  • Potential for increased lighting in parks, alleys, and residential streets

  • Investigate speed calming options in high flow traffic areas
  • Increase community programming, education, and prevention

Partnership with Law Enforcement:
While the Town is committed to addressing local safety through municipal initiatives, collaboration with the RCMP remains essential in responding to and investigating criminal activity that falls outside the Town's jurisdiction or enforcement capacity. Ongoing partnership with law enforcement agencies is critical to ensuring comprehensive public safety across the community.

This report marks an important step forward in creating a collaborative, data-informed approach to community safety. The insights gained will guide future investments, programming, and policy development to support a safe and vibrant Fort Macleod.

 

Link to full survey results 

Bylaw Enforcement

See More of Fort Macleod

There is so much to do in Fort Macleod. Discover things like our beautiful historic Main Street, our new off leash dog park, or head across the green bridge for a walk in our Wilderness Park.

nature