Cranbrook city council approved two bylaws addressing unsightly properties and public behaviour.
The public places bylaw outlines expected standards of behaviour in public areas like public intoxication, fighting, graffiti and littering.
The bylaw empowers bylaw services and the RCMP to act more effectively when problems do arise.
Public areas include streets, sidewalks, parks and other city facilities.
The unsightly premises bylaw gives clearer authority for the city to act on properties that are neglected or pose a nuisance, including those with excessive garbage, derelict vehicles, or overgrown vegetation.
“People want their neighbourhoods to feel safe and clean, and they want to be able to enjoy public spaces without running into disruptive behaviour, vandalism and garbage,” said Mayor Wayne Price.
“These new bylaws will really help our staff better respond to those concerns more quickly and effectively.”
City staff say the next step is to set clear fines for violating the bylaws.
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