Happy Valley-Goose Bay mayor hopes ticketing will curb noise, litter

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay will soon start ticketing delinquent home owners for property-related offences and the mayor hopes this will encourage some residents to clean up their act.

Over the next few weeks, the town's community constable will be able to issue tickets for complaints related to animals, development, litter and noise.

Mayor Jamie Snook says the town was hesitant to pursue offenders in the past due to lengthy and costly court processes.

Snook believes the change will lead to a better compliance with the rules.

"It's something that's going to be very reasonable," he said.

Property owners will first receive a warning about their violation from the community constable.

If the owner does not comply, tickets ranging from $50 to $100 will be issued.

Snook said the town has been working since 2007 to gain this authority. Six other towns in the province have adopted similar regulations.