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Bylaws

Bylaws

Municipal bylaws help protect health, safety, property, and overall community well-being in the Village of Borden. They establish clear, consistent expectations so residents, businesses, and visitors understand their responsibilities and how concerns are addressed fairly and impartially.

Bylaws are intended to support a safe, orderly, and resilient community, while aligning with provincial legislation and best practices.

Why Bylaws Matter – Fire Safety & Community Well-Being

Many municipal bylaws, including the Nuisance Bylaw, play an important role in reducing fire risk and protecting neighbouring properties.

Keeping yards free of excessive debris, long grass, combustible materials, and unmanaged waste supports principles promoted by FireSmart Canada, which focuses on reducing the risk of fire spreading between properties.

By following nuisance and property maintenance bylaws, residents are not only maintaining their own property they are also helping to:

  • Reduce fire hazards

  • Protect neighbouring homes and structures

  • Improve emergency response access

  • Strengthen overall community resilience

In short, these bylaws help keep the community safer for everyone.

Bylaws Library

Select an item below to view or download the applicable bylaw.

Note: This page includes frequently referenced bylaws for convenience. Not all bylaws may be listed here.

Key Bylaws

Applications & Related Forms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the Village have bylaws?

Bylaws help protect health, safety, property, and community well-being. They set clear, consistent expectations so everyone understands what is required and how issues are addressed fairly.

Why does the Nuisance Bylaw matter so much?

The Nuisance Bylaw plays a critical role in fire prevention, neighbourhood safety, and emergency access. Property maintenance requirements such as controlling long grass, removing debris, and managing combustible materials help reduce fire risk between neighbouring properties.

Maintaining your property doesn’t just protect your home it helps protect your neighbours and the community as a whole.

What happens if I receive a complaint or notice?

If a concern is identified:

  • The issue is reviewed and documented

  • The property owner is typically given an opportunity to correct the issue

  • Enforcement action is taken only if compliance is not achieved

The goal is always resolution, not punishment, unless ongoing non-compliance requires further action.

Are bylaws always up to date on this page?

Every effort is made to keep this page current. However, Council agendas and minutes are the official legal record of newly adopted, amended, or repealed bylaws.

If there is ever a discrepancy, the most recent Council decision prevails. Residents are encouraged to contact the Village Office for confirmation.

FireSmart-Inspired Property Maintenance Checklist

(Supporting the Nuisance Bylaw)

Keeping properties well maintained helps reduce fire risk, improves emergency access, and protects neighbouring homes. Residents are encouraged to:

Yard & Property Safety

  • Keep grass mowed below 10 cm

  • Remove accumulations of dry grass, leaves, needles, and branches

  • Avoid storing firewood, construction materials, or debris against buildings

  • Move firewood piles, trailers, sheds, and other combustible items at least 10 meters away from buildings

  • Keep the area 1.5 meters around buildings and decks non-combustible (gravel, concrete, brick)

  • Avoid bark or pine-needle mulch close to buildings

  • Trim lower branches on evergreen trees near structures

  • Maintain clear access for emergency vehicles and responders

Bylaw Administration & Compliance

The Village’s bylaw responsibilities are administered by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Enforcement focuses on education, voluntary compliance, and fairness, while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Responsibilities include:

  • Responding to and investigating complaints

  • Conducting inspections and regulatory work

  • Gathering evidence in accordance with established procedures

  • Presenting information to Council and, where required, to the courts

Transparency in Enforcement

To support accuracy, accountability, and public safety:

  • The Bylaw Enforcement Officer may wear a body-worn camera while performing enforcement duties

  • Photographs of properties may be taken to document conditions, track compliance over time, and support enforcement records

Images and recordings are used solely for enforcement and administrative purposes and are handled in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.