How SCAN Works

The process starts when one or more residents of a neighbourhood file a complaint with the Director of Community Operations.

All complaints are confidential. The identity of those who file complaints cannot be revealed at any time.

The Director may launch an investigation by the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Investigation Unit, if there is enough evidence to support the complaint. The Director has several options, including: issuing a warning letter to the property owner; resolving the problem out of court; applying for a Community Safety Order with or without a closure order against the property; or applying for an immediate closure order.

All occupants of a property that is closed by a Community Safety Order will leave it immediately, even if they have not been previously served with an order. If an occupant does not comply with a request to leave, the Director can obtain the assistance of a peace officer to remove them from the property. After leaving the property, and while the property is closed, no occupant can enter or occupy the property without the Director's consent.

Removing tenants from a residence is a last resort that would only be pursued in the face of a lack of co-operation. The Act is very careful to provide due process to any owners or occupants directly affected by an order under this legislation, either by the court or by the Director. This Act is not criminal legislation designed to punish offenders. Rather, this is legislation to improve public safety in our communities. Previously, these issues were often addressed in city bylaws in a less direct fashion.

Commercial and residential tenants who have not been involved in any illegal activities can apply to the court for a variance of the order, which allows them to return to the property. This application is to be made within 14 days of being served with an order, although the court may extend this time.

The fortified buildings part of the Act deals with fortifications in buildings that pose a threat to public safety by preventing emergency response personnel, law enforcement officials, or occupants from gaining access to or escaping from those buildings in an emergency. The Act also recognizes that such buildings are often a threat to the general public safety in the neighbourhood.