Taylor to rework Unsightly Premises Bylaw in spring

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The District of Taylor is preparing for spring by discussing rural fire protection and tightening up grey areas in bylaw enforcement. 

During the District of Taylor’s March 16th council meeting, Steve Byford, the district’s director of protective services and fire chief, the district has seen 39 emergency calls for service so far in 2026. During the same period last year, the district had received 36 calls for service. 

So far this year, there have been three bylaw complaints submitted to the district. During the same time period in 2025 there were eight complaints. 

The district is also preparing for meetings with the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) in April to discuss renewing the Taylor Rural Fire Protection agreement. This is a five-year agreement set to expire on December 31st. 

Byford also explained the protective services department was also in the process of updating the Unsightly Premises Bylaw, which enforces minimum standards for properties within the district. The bylaw was most recently updated in 2023, and was enacted to “protect the community from unsightly, hazardous and blighted conditions,” as well as “prescribe standards for the maintenance of property.”

The bylaw governs topics including derelict vehicles, graffiti, litter, grass and destructive insects. 

Acting mayor and district councillor Desirae Graziano noted the existing version of the bylaw leaves several grey areas, and asked staff to publish announcements on social media and to the community as updates to the bylaw were completed. 

Councillor Murray Giesbrecht expressed dissatisfaction with the bylaw, stating if an individual pays for their property, they should “be able to keep it the way they want.