Confidentiality Issues
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) does not have the resources to review every property in our region. Except for inspections arising from a building permit or investigations initiated by CRD staff, it is our policy to rely on the complaint process to identify potential issues and infractions. This policy is designed to deliver a balance of accountability and confidentiality, at a reasonable cost.
The following policies apply to bylaw enforcement procedures:
- To be considered by the CRD, a complaint shall be in writing and shall contain the name, address and phone number of the complainant and shall describe the nature and location of the alleged infraction. This policy does not preclude staff of the CRD identifying and conducting investigations on their own initiative.
- The identity of the complainant and the written complaint itself shall not be disclosed to the alleged violator or any member of the public. Likewise, the response of the alleged violator, whether in writing or made orally, shall not be disclosed to the complainant.
- Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the CRD will initiate an investigation. Should an infraction be suspected, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer will consider matters such as the scale, number and duration of the infraction(s); the current short- and long-term impacts caused by the infraction; the potential for precedents; and the resources available to resolve the matter. It will not be the policy of the CRD to necessarily seek a legal remedy for all alleged infractions.
- The anonymity and confidentiality given to complainants and alleged violators under this policy cannot be assured if an investigation results in court proceedings.
- If persons request that the Cariboo Regional District disclose personal information about them in complaints and responses to the complaints under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the CRD policy is to refuse disclosure under Section 15 of the Act, unless consent is obtained from the person who supplied the information. The CRD, however, is subject to orders issued by the Information and Privacy Commissioner under the Act and will not necessarily appeal an order for disclosure.