Sechelt to add fines for derelict, wrecked and abandoned vehicles

People caught improperly storing wrecked, derelict or abandoned vehicles within the District of Sechelt could soon be fined for it.

Council voted unanimously to give first, second and third reading to changes to the bylaw governing fine structures to include wrecked, derelict or abandoned motor vehicles, trailers or aircraft stored contrary to the district’s zoning bylaw.

A penalty of $100 would apply for the offence.

Planning director Andrew Allen said the addition was needed to give bylaw enforcement officers more tools to deal with “properties within the district that have become an eyesore and become a problem for our community and in particular close-by neighbours.”

Prior to the vote, Coun. Alton Toth asked how the district defines wrecked or derelict vehicles.

Allen said the “general rule of thumb is whether or not it’s insured or can readily be insured.”

“When bylaw officers receive a complaint, it’s always investigation, try and find a solution and if a solution is not attainable, we then move to our fine structure,” he said.

Mayor Darnelda Siegers asked whether staff would communicate the change before the bylaw change is adopted.

Allen replied officers have been in touch with people who have active open files, but not those who aren’t already on the district’s radar.