Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

Can I report a crime to a Community Peace Officer?
No, at this time Community Peace Officers do not have the authority under the Criminal Code to handle these types of calls. Please contact the RCMP non-emergency line at (403) 933-4262 for assistance with reporting a crime. 

Why do I see Officers patrolling neighborhoods?
Officers may be patrolling for various reasons, such as responding to complaints or proactively enforcing municipal bylaws or provincial statues.

When do Community Peace Officers work
Community Peace Officers work a 4-on-4-off schedule to provide the best coverage possible. Their hours fluctuate from early morning to late evening starts. To reach a Peace Officer, call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334. A dispatcher will assist you in building a file for your complaint or request for a call.

Where is your office?
Community Peace Officers work out of Firehall Station 2, located at 102 Royal Ave NW. Officers are available by appointment only and do not accept walk-ins. To schedule an appointment, call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334.

Why do I see Community Peace Officers vehicles from other municipalities in our town?
Municipal Enforcement partners with neighboring municipalities, such as High River and Foothills County, to conduct enhanced targeted enforcement in each other’s communities. By working together, we can increase visibility and address concerns more effectively.

Can I make an anonymous complaint about an issue?
No, anonymous complaints are not accepted. You must provide your full name, address, and phone number. This information is necessary for the Officer's investigation and to prevent harassment through unfounded complaints. Please See complaint section for more information.

Does my information get released to the people I am complaining about?
No, your information is kept confidential. However, it may be disclosed if you are required to go to court or if an application is made under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Dogs, Cats, Chickens and Wildlife

 
Does Municipal Enforcement deal with cats?
No, Municipal Enforcement does not handle cats in the Town of Diamond Valley, as there are no provisions for cat control in the Town's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.

I have found a dog. Can I call Municipal Enforcement?
Yes, Municipal Enforcement will assist with dogs at large. However, since Officers are not always available, ensure you can care for the dog until Municipal Enforcement can pick it up.

How many dogs am I allowed to have?
You may own up to four dogs as long as they are licensed with the Town.

Can I have a chicken coop in town?
Yes, you can have up to six hens in the Town, provided the coop is registered and complies with the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. Roosters are prohibited.

I suspect my neighbor has harmed their domestic animal or is hoarding animals. What can I do?
To file a complaint, call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334. Alternatively, contact the Alberta SPCA at 1-800-455-9003 for assistance.

I am having issues with wildlife. Does Municipal Enforcement deal with wildlife?
No, Municipal Enforcement does not handle wildlife issues. Contact a Fish and Wildlife Officer or a local pest control company for assistance with wild animals.

My neighbor’s dog won't stop barking. What can I do?
We suggest addressing the situation with your neighbor directly. If the barking continues, call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403-933-0334) to start the complaint process. 

You will need to complete a barking dog log over a 2-week period, documenting every time you notice or hear the dog barking. Municipal Enforcement will review the log and determine if charges will be laid under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. You may be required to testify in court based on the information in the barking dog log.

Property Maintenance

What is considered an unsightly property?
An unsightly property is one that, in the opinion of an Enforcement Officer, is detrimental to the surrounding area. This includes properties with litter, dilapidated or unsightly buildings, structures, or overgrown grass. Loose garbage, yard waste, bottles, cans, household furniture, appliances, and automobile parts must be stored so they are not visible from outside the property.

How do I file a complaint regarding the unsightly property next door?
To file a complaint call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334.

Do I need to mow the grass on the boulevard that abuts or adjoins my property?
Yes, as per the Property Responsibility Bylaw, you must control all grass and weeds on your premises and on any boulevard that abuts or adjoins your property.

How long can I let my grass grow?
According to the Property Responsibility Bylaw, you must ensure that grass or weeds on your premises do not exceed a height of 15 centimeters.

I had a door hanger left on my front door identifying a bylaw issue. Why did I receive this?
Municipal Enforcement takes both proactive and reactive approaches to ensure properties comply with the Property Responsibility Bylaw. An officer may have noticed uncut grass or vehicles/trailers on the grass and proactively addressed it. Alternatively, a complaint may have been filed against your property. Please follow the directions left on the door hanger. If you need assistance or more time, call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334.
 

Parking and Traffic Concerns

My neighbor’s vehicle has been parked in front of my house for a few days. What should I do?
The streets are a shared resource for all Town of Diamond Valley residents and visitors. That means everyone has the right to park. However, if you believe a vehicle to be abandoned you can call the Municipal Enforcement 24- Hours Complaint Line to file a complaint.

Can my neighbor park their RV in front of my house?
Your neighbour can park their RV on the street for no more than 72 hours.  The 72 hours allows owners of RVs to empty and clean their vehicles after a trip before moving the vehicle to an approved off highway location. If your neighbour exceeds the above time frame, you can call the Municipal Enforcement 24- Hours Complaint Line to file a complaint.

Can I leave a trailer unattached on the road?
No, under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and Diamond Valley Traffic Bylaw, it is an offense to leave a trailer parked on a roadway unattached to a vehicle.

I am moving and want to put a Moving POD or a Commercial style Garbage Bin on the road in front of my house. What do I need to do?
You will need to apply for a permit. Call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334. An officer will call you back and provide you with the application package for a street use permit. Please allow 5 business days for the request to be processed.

There are speeding vehicles on my road. What should I do?
Community Peace Officers handle traffic enforcement, but due to staffing resources and other responsibilities, it is not their primary duty. Report traffic concerns to the Diamond Valley RCMP by calling their non-emergency line at (403) 933-4262. Additionally, inform our dispatch by calling the 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334.
 

Snow Removal

 
How long after a snowfall do I have to shovel my sidewalk?
The Town of Diamond Valley requires property owners and renters to remove snow, ice, and slush from their sidewalks within 48 hours of the last snowfall. Snow and ice must be removed so that the entire width of the sidewalk is clear. If the owner or renter is absent, they must arrange for someone else to maintain the sidewalks. Snow should not be placed on any public sidewalk, alley, roadway, or street from private property and/or sidewalk. 

My neighbor doesn’t shovel their sidewalks. What should I do?
Be a good neighbor and reach out to see if they need help. They might be injured or elderly and unable to shovel the sidewalk. If the matter is not resolved, call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line to file a complaint.

I need help shoveling my sidewalk due to age or injury. Who can help me?
Please contact Diamond Valley FCSS at 403-933-4348 to see if resources are available to assist you.

Noise 

My neighbor's music is too loud and is bothering me. What can I do?
If you feel comfortable, try talking to your neighbor first. If the issue persists or you are uncomfortable doing so, call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334. If no officer is on shift, you may be advised to contact the RCMP non-emergency line at (403) 933-4262.

What time is quiet time in a residential area of town?
The Property Responsibility Bylaw states that "A Person shall not cause or permit any noise exceeding a Sound Level of 60 decibels (dBA) as measured at the property line of a property in a Residential Area between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m."

The builders behind my home are making noise early in the mornings, what are the quiet times for construction noise in town?
Construction noise is prohibited between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, and between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays.

I am a builder and need to work outside of the permitted hours for construction noise in town. Can I get a permit to allow this?
Yes. Please call the Municipal Enforcement 24-Hour Complaint Line at (403) 933-0334. An officer will call you back and provide you with the application package to apply for an exemption.