In the City of Prince Rupert, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer or an authorized City Representative may issue a Bylaw Ticket notice to a person or company for a violation to a City Bylaw. The City of Prince Rupert Bylaw Dispute Adjudication System manages Bylaw Enforcement Notices (tickets) in Prince Rupert. This system is authorized under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act.
Paying a Bylaw Ticket
Please note that unpaid Bylaw Ticket fines may be sent to collections. If you would like to report an incoming payment, or would like to request a payment plan, please contact the Bylaw Department.
Online - Directly scan the QR Code on the frontof the ticket with the camera on your smartphone to be taken automatically to an online payment option. OR, if you don't have the ticket but have your license plate number and infraction number, head to this website to pay: https://rushbrook.enforcement.zone/
By Mail – Cheque or money order (no cash) can be sent to: City of Prince Rupert, 424 3rd Ave West, Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 1L7
In Person – Cash, cheque, credit or Interac accepted at City Hall, 424 3rd Avenue West, Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. After hours and statutory holidays – put cheque or money order in City Hall mailbox, directly outside the entrance to City Hall.
If paying by cheque, make your cheque payable to the City of Prince Rupert, in Canadian Funds and send it, along with the other required information listed below, to:
City of Prince Rupert
424 3rd Avenue West
Prince Rupert, B
V8J 1L7
If you are paying by a money order or cheque, please ensure that it is payable to the City of Prince Rupert.
A receipt will not be sent back to you. Your payment must be accompanied by a copy of the front of the ticket or a note giving sufficient information to the municipality, including:
- The ticket number from the top right hand corner of the ticket
- Your full name and mailing address
- The date of the offence and the bylaw name and section of the offence
If you do not provide sufficient details, your payment might not be credited to you and the fine may remain outstanding. By paying the fine, you will be deemed to have pled guilty to the described offence.
Disputing a Bylaw Ticket
What is Adjudication?
The Adjudication System allows the City to manage bylaw disputes locally rather than through the Provincial Court system. Tickets can be disputed out of court with an adjudicator appointed by the Province.
Why is Adjudication used?
- Simplifies dispute process
- Removes minor bylaw tickets from the Provincial Court system
- Reduces ticket dispute time
- Reduces need to employ lawyers or enforcement officers to take cases to court
- More convenient; tickets can be disputed online
- More cost effective and efficient system
How does Adjudication Work?
OPTION A: Pay Ticket
- Reduced penalty payment within 14 days.
- Full penalty payment after 14 days.
- Note that there is a QR Code that enables users to pay their tickets online.
OPTION B: Dispute Ticket
Ticket Dispute Process
1. Dispute Request:
Fill out and submit a Dispute Request Form, located on the City’s website (here). You must submit the form by the date indicated on the front of the ticket.
2. Compliance Officer:
Reviews details of the ticket with all parties.
Compliance Officer can:
a. if applicable, cancel a ticket.
b. enter into a Compliance Agreement and reduce the penalty upon completion.
c. uphold the ticket.
d. forward to an Adjudication hearing.
3. Adjudication Hearing:
A date and time for the adjudication is provided and a hearing is scheduled to occur at City Hall.
After evidence is presented, the adjudicator decides if an offence did or did not occur.
a. If an offence did occur, the ticket must be paid in full, plus an additional $25 administrative fee.
b. If an offence did not occur, the ticket is cancelled and no penalties are assessed.
For more information on the process, check out our brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are your options when receiving a ticket?
You can pay the fine or dispute the ticket but it must be dealt with. If not dealt with your ticket will be forwarded to collections for payment.
When will my dispute be heard?
Once a dispute has been received, a Compliance Officer will be in contact to discuss the dispute. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks.
What happens if an enforcement ticket is ignored?
If a penalty is unpaid after 45 days, a ticket is usually forwarded to a collection agency for recovery. The City may take other debt collection steps to recover outstanding penalties.
Can I pay the reduced penalty within 14 days and still proceed to adjudication?
No. Once a ticket is paid it is closed.
When can I schedule an adjudication date?
After a dispute is filed and reviewed with a Compliance Officer.
What is a Compliance Agreement?
When a disputant agrees to correct a bylaw violation, where applicable, the City may accept a 50% reduced penalty. Parking violations are not eligible for compliance agreements.
Do I need to appear in person for the hearing?
No. You may send a written submission or arrange for a conference call if you are unable to appear in person.
Can I pay the penalty before the hearing date if I change my mind?
Yes, however, penalty payments received after 14 days from when the ticket was issued must be paid in full.
Can the adjudicator consider my financial position if a ticket is upheld?
No. The adjudicator will only determine if the offence occurred. The adjudicator has no authority to raise or lower the penalty amount.
Can I appeal the adjudicator’s decision to a higher authority?
No. An adjudicator’s decision is final.