Item - 2019.EC10.7

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Received the report (November 20, 2019) from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards for information.

This report provides an update on the outcomes of a one-year pilot for a community mediation referral program to support By-law complaints that arise from disputes between neighbours. The program was established in the summer of 2018 as a partnership between the City's Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) division and St. Stephen's Community House. Noise, right of entry applications, and fences were chosen as areas of focus for the pilot program; these issues often involve disputes between neighbours where the two parties have an interest in maintaining or repairing their relationship.

The one-year pilot program has demonstrated positive outcomes and this report recommends that the program continue and be expanded within MLS. Mediation can help address long-standing neighbour disputes and manage minor By-law issues. In addition, the ability to refer individuals to community mediation services is a useful tool for By-law Enforcement Officers (officers).

There is no cost to the City for the operation of the mediation program and the program is free for participants. Any future costs related to program design and training will be accommodated within MLS' existing budget.

Since the program was established, 36 cases have been referred to St. Stephen's Community House. Mediation can be a particularly useful tool in situations where there is no further action an officer can take due to no By-law violation, or a minor issue that does not warrant further City involvement. However, one or both parties can often be unwilling to participate and this limits the number of cases where mediation can be used.

To enhance the program, staff will update procedures and training materials, increase education and outreach, and expand the use of community mediation services to a wider range of By-law enforcement services provided by MLS.