Municipal Enforcement

Community Peace Officers enforce the Animal Control Bylaw. The Town of Bonnyville’s Animal Control Bylaw regulates the ownership, care, and control of pets within Town limits. It promotes responsible pet ownership, public safety, and the welfare of animals. The bylaw outlines requirements for pet licensing, behaviour, expectations, enforcement measures, and more. A downloadable copy of the bylaw can be found below.

Pet Licensing

All dogs and cats over six months of age must be licensed with the Town. As of 2025, the Town has introduced a one-time licensing fee:

• $20 for dogs
• $20 for spayed/neutered cats
• $40 for unaltered cats

Licences do not expire unless the animal is declared a nuisance or restricted, in which case an annual fee applies. Pet tags must be worn at all times when in public.

Please note: Pets within the Town of Bonnyville who previously had an active license as of 2024 must be renewed once more to fall under the new one-time fee.

Click here to pay for your Pet License online.

Stray Animal Pickup and Impoundment

Pets found at large (off the owner’s property and not under control of the owner) may be seized by a Community Peace Officer and taken to an animal shelter. Animals are held for at least three business days. Owners can reclaim their pet upon payment of any impound, care, or medical costs and by ensuring a valid license is in place. After 72 hours, unclaimed animals become property of the Bonnyville and District SPCA and may be rehomed.

Animal Welfare and Care Requirements

The bylaw prohibits:

• Leaving pets in vehicles during extreme temperatures (above 20°C or below -10°C)
• Transporting unrestrained dogs in open truck beds
• Keeping animals in unsafe or unsanitary conditions

Owners must ensure their pets do not pose a risk to others, including barking excessively, causing property damage, or spreading disease. Sick or injured animals may be taken to a veterinarian at the owner’s expense if found in distress.

Nuisance and Dangerous Animal Reporting

Owners are responsible for preventing their pets from:

• Excessive barking
• Running at large
• Attacking or biting people or other animals
• Creating public disturbances

Dogs may be declared “nuisance” or “restricted” if they exhibit aggressive behaviour or cause injury. Restricted dogs must meet strict requirements, including muzzling in public, secure containment on private property, and insurance coverage.

The Town of Bonnyville’s Community Standards Bylaw outlines expectations for maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful community. This bylaw addresses property maintenance, noise control, camping, outdoor lighting, and enforcement practices, ensuring Bonnyville remains a welcoming place to live, work, and visit.

A downloadable copy of the Community Standards Bylaw can be found below.

Property Maintenance

Residents and property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties in a manner that prevents nuisances and unsightly conditions. This includes:

• Keeping grass and weeds under 20 cm
• Ensuring structures are in good repair
• Preventing the accumulation of debris, derelict vehicles, or appliances
• Maintaining adjacent sidewalks, boulevards, and back lanes
• Removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours
• Ensuring waste bins are covered and secure

Unsightly Premises

The Town’s Community Standards Bylaw defines unsightly properties as any land or property that shows serious disregard for general maintenance or upkeep and negatively affects the surrounding area.

A property may be considered unsightly if it includes:

• Excessive accumulation of materials (e.g., building supplies, household items, garbage)
• Derelict vehicles or vehicle parts
• Appliances or furniture stored outdoors
• Loose litter or refuse visible from outside the property
• Uncut grass or weeds over 20 cm
• Broken or dilapidated fences, buildings, or exterior structures

Property Owner Responsibilities:

• Keep yards tidy and free from debris
• Mow lawns and remove weeds
• Remove any garbage or materials that can create a nuisance
• Ensure any repairs or construction materials are properly stored

If a property is found to be unsightly, a CPO may issue a Notice of Violation or Municipal Tag, require the property owner to clean up the property within a specified time, issue a fine if the homeowner does not clean up the property in the specified timeframe, add clean-up costs to the property owner’s tax roll if the Town must carry out the work.

The goal is to preserve Bonnyville’s curb appeal and community pride by ensuring all properties are safe, clean, and well-maintained.

Noise Control

To protect peace and quiet in residential areas:

• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays)
• Construction, yard work, and loud public address systems are restricted during quiet hours
• Daytime and nighttime decibel limits are enforced, with exemptions for emergency and municipal services

 

Enforcement and Penalties

CPOs may issue warnings, municipal tags, or violation tickets for bylaw violations. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the offence and frequency. Costs incurred by the Town to address violations can be added to the property tax roll. The Town emphasizes education first but will enforce standards to preserve community well-being.