Forty-three municipalities across west central Saskatchewan have partnered in the establishment of a regional bylaw court – the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. The court, which commences on Thursday, November 16 in Kindersley, will be a Provincial Court established for the purpose of hearing municipal bylaw matters of the 43 partnering municipalities.

The regional court will be held on the third Thursday of each month and will be presided over by a Justice of the Peace appointed by the Province of Saskatchewan who will hear matters specific to municipal tickets and outstanding bylaw infractions. The Bylaw Court will take place at the Kindersley Masonic Lodge, 501 Main Street, where Kindersley Court is also held weekly each Tuesday.

Saskatchewan’s Chief Judge issued a memorandum earlier this month formally acknowledging the establishment of the Bylaw Court.

The new Bylaw Court provides the Town of Kindersley and other partnering municipalities with a means to enforce bylaws and settle grievances between the municipality and those with a Notice of Violation. It also provides citizens an opportunity to appeal the charges against them. The concept to establish the court on a regional basis began to be explored almost three years ago.

“The Town of Kindersley is proud to be a part of the regional Bylaw Court initiative as it provides the opportunity to effectively enforce local bylaws and collect on fines, and to be more closely engaged with RCMP in the enforcement of our bylaws,” said Chief Administrative Officer Bernie Morton.  “Another tremendous benefit for all municipalities involved is the opportunity to standardize our municipal bylaws and overall enforcement techniques and processes. This helps us all continue to build safe and healthy communities.”