Community Standards
The Community Standards Bylaw 2022-16 provides clear and transparent expectations for matters that affect the community and neighbours. Topics under this bylaw include regulating noise, clearing of sidewalks, property maintenance, addressing graffiti, human waste, and providing clear guidelines on wildlife attractants. This bylaw repeals the previous Noise Bylaw 11-97, Wildlife Attractant Bylaw 2017-10, Wildlife Amending Bylaw 2019-23 – Fruit Trees, and Sections 87 – 97 of the Traffic and Road Use Bylaw 2020-03. While this page provides a brief overview of the bylaw, pdf click here (14.50 MB) to read the bylaw in full.
What is in the bylaw
Noise
· No person shall cause any noise exceeding 60 decibels as measured at the property line of a property in a Residential Area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
· No person shall make any noise that is likely to disturb the peace, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of others.
· No person shall permit a vehicle located on a premises to emit noise that would disturb the peace, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of another individual, such as noise from excessive engine revving and or loud music.
· Construction noise is permitted between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and is prohibited Sundays and holidays. All construction occurring on Sundays and holidays requires written approval by the Town of Canmore
· Noise complaints occurring outside of our business hours (7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.) should be directed to the RCMP by calling 403.678.5516. During business hours, direct noise complaints to Municipal Enforcement
· Noise exemption permits may be granted for circumstances that are deemed impractical for the applicant to adhere to the Community Standards Bylaw, which includes construction activity on Sundays and/or holidays, and planned noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Click here to download the pdf Noise Exemption Permit
(410 KB)
· No person shall make any noise that is likely to disturb the peace, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of others.
· No person shall permit a vehicle located on a premises to emit noise that would disturb the peace, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of another individual, such as noise from excessive engine revving and or loud music.
· Construction noise is permitted between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and is prohibited Sundays and holidays. All construction occurring on Sundays and holidays requires written approval by the Town of Canmore
· Noise complaints occurring outside of our business hours (7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.) should be directed to the RCMP by calling 403.678.5516. During business hours, direct noise complaints to Municipal Enforcement
· Noise exemption permits may be granted for circumstances that are deemed impractical for the applicant to adhere to the Community Standards Bylaw, which includes construction activity on Sundays and/or holidays, and planned noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Click here to download the pdf Noise Exemption Permit
(410 KB)
Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal
· The owner and/or occupant of the land is responsible for clearing ice and snow from the sidewalks adjacent to the property.
· Snow and ice must be removed from the sidewalk within 48 hours of the last snowfall.
· Removal of snow and ice means the removal of ALL snow and ice, down to the bare concrete.
· Snow removed from sidewalks cannot be deposited onto the street or impede any storm sewer grate or fire hydrant.
· If snow and ice are not removed within 48 hours the Town may clear it at the property owner’s expense.
· Snow and ice must be removed from the sidewalk within 48 hours of the last snowfall.
· Removal of snow and ice means the removal of ALL snow and ice, down to the bare concrete.
· Snow removed from sidewalks cannot be deposited onto the street or impede any storm sewer grate or fire hydrant.
· If snow and ice are not removed within 48 hours the Town may clear it at the property owner’s expense.
Property Maintenance
No owner or tenant of a property shall allow:
· The accumulation of any material that creates unpleasant odors or is likely to attract pests or animals, or any animal remains, or animal feces.
· Outdoor storage of any toxic or hazardous substance, such as automotive fluids or paints that is open, exposed, or accessible by other people or animals
· The accumulation of items in a manner that is visible to someone viewing from outside the property, such as:
loose litter, garbage, or refuse, bottles, cans, boxes, recyclable materials, or packaging materials, household furniture or other household goods, motor vehicle parts, etc.
· Property owners must ensure that outdoor structures (such as fences and decks) are in good working order. If an owner or Occupant fails to maintain a structure, The Town may direct the property owner to repair, replace, or remove it.
· The accumulation of any material that creates unpleasant odors or is likely to attract pests or animals, or any animal remains, or animal feces.
· Outdoor storage of any toxic or hazardous substance, such as automotive fluids or paints that is open, exposed, or accessible by other people or animals
· The accumulation of items in a manner that is visible to someone viewing from outside the property, such as:
loose litter, garbage, or refuse, bottles, cans, boxes, recyclable materials, or packaging materials, household furniture or other household goods, motor vehicle parts, etc.
· Property owners must ensure that outdoor structures (such as fences and decks) are in good working order. If an owner or Occupant fails to maintain a structure, The Town may direct the property owner to repair, replace, or remove it.
Wildlife Attractants
· No Person shall or leave a wildlife attractant (such as food) in an outdoor location where the attractant is accessible to wildlife.
· No Person shall plant any fruit-bearing vegetation on any property.
· No Person shall feed, attempt to feed, or permit the feeding of Wildlife.
· Outdoor bird feeders may be placed between the dates of December 1 and March 31, provided that the bird feeder is suspended on a cable or other device in such a manner that it is inaccessible to wildlife other than birds, and the area below any bird feeder is kept free of accumulations of any Wildlife Attractants. Outdoor bird feeders are not permitted between April 1 and Nov. 30 of each year.
· No Person shall plant any fruit-bearing vegetation on any property.
· No Person shall feed, attempt to feed, or permit the feeding of Wildlife.
· Outdoor bird feeders may be placed between the dates of December 1 and March 31, provided that the bird feeder is suspended on a cable or other device in such a manner that it is inaccessible to wildlife other than birds, and the area below any bird feeder is kept free of accumulations of any Wildlife Attractants. Outdoor bird feeders are not permitted between April 1 and Nov. 30 of each year.
Graffiti
· No person shall create or apply graffiti on or to any premises, structure, or other property which is owned or occupied by another person.
· Owners or occupants of a property shall ensure that graffiti placed on their premises is removed, painted over, or otherwise blocked from public view.
· Owners or occupants of a property shall ensure that graffiti placed on their premises is removed, painted over, or otherwise blocked from public view.
Human Waste
No Person shall urinate, defecate, or leave any human waste in any Public Place, other than a washroom.
Related Bylaw - Waste Control Bylaw
The Town of Canmore’s Recyclables and Waste Bylaw regulates the collection and disposal of waste within the Town. This page will provide you with a brief overview of the Town’s bylaw, however, if you would like more detail, please refer to the actual Waste Control Bylaw. Original copies of the bylaw are available by contacting the Municipal Clerk.
What is the law?
- Waste from residential and commercial units must be placed into an animal-proof waste container.
- Cardboard, construction waste, animal carcasses, furniture, auto parts, tree limbs, etc. are not to be placed in or beside bear bins.
- Recycling containers must not be allowed to remain uncovered or open.
- Waste cannot accumulate on your property.
- Waste cannot be burned or buried in Town.
- Residents placing appliances outside a locked shed/garage are to remove any doors with a latching mechanism or ensure it is securely locked
