Encroachment is an issue in many Calgary communities as homeowners extend their properties into park land. The City has identified several areas where encroachment has happened and is working with homeowners to remove the encroachment.
Encroachment is prohibited onto park lands by the Parks and Pathway Bylaw, and onto other environmental reserve lands by the Municipal Government Act (Alberta). Calgary’s parks are for all Calgarians to enjoy and are not to be used exclusively by a small number of individuals over an extended period of time. As well, some park lands are created to help protect delicate ecosystems in communities and help reduce slope erosion and other damage to our local environment.
“The City is contacting homeowners who have encroached onto City-owned land to let them know this is not acceptable. Some homeowners may not even be aware that they are building beyond their legal property line,” says Nico Bernard, Calgary Parks Manager Development and Capital Services. “Home owners should check their legal property report, especially if they back onto a park or green space.”
Fines for encroachment can range from $500 and $10,000 for home owners who do not voluntarily remove the encroachment. For more information, call 311 or visit calgary.ca and search Bylaws Related to Parks and Pathways.
