Cochrane's new community standards bylaw

About the project

In October 2024, the provincial government provided funding through the Community Justice Grant to support municipalities in establishing a community standards bylaw. This bylaw brings together three older bylaws into one easy-to-follow set of rules and gives local peace officers better tools to handle minor offences like vandalism, public disturbances and excessive noise. The goal is to keep Cochrane’s public spaces safe and enjoyable without overburdening the RCMP or the court system.

What's changing?

This bylaw will replace and simplify three existing bylaws:

  • Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw (2007)
  • Snow Removal Bylaw (2009)
  • Noise Control Bylaw (2011)

1. Significant changes to Nuisance and Unsightly Premises (Bylaw 04-2007 vs. 06-2025)

  • New definition of "Visual Blight" (includes excessive accumulation of materials, dilapidated buildings, etc.).
  • Composting regulations introduced (prohibiting pet waste, requiring 10m distance from dwellings).
  • Boulevard maintenance responsibility clarified for adjacent property owners.
  • More structured enforcement with penalties and cost recovery via property tax

2. Significant snow removal changes (Bylaw 01-2009 vs 06-2025)

  • 10% administrative fee added for town-enforced snow removal, chargeable to property tax.
  • Explicit requirement for roof/awning maintenance to prevent dangerous ice formations.
  • Increased enforcement measures with clearer penalties and charge recovery mechanisms.

3. Significant changes to noise control (Bylaw 16-2011 vs. 06-2025)

  • New exemptions for common sounds (church bells, wind chimes, children playing).
  • Vehicle noise restrictions expanded (includes limits on large vehicle idling over 5,450 kg).
  • Clearer noise enforcement process (sound level measurements and conditions for exemptions).
  • Increased authority for officials to revoke noise exemptions for non-compliance.

We’re also making adjustments to Section 16 - Noise control (construction noise). Over the past year, 31 complaints about construction noise have been reported. To address this, we're proposing shortening construction hours by one hour on Monday to Saturdays, and two hours on Sundays and Holidays.

  • Current hours: 7 AM – 10 PM Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 10 PM Sundays & Holidays
  • Proposed hours: 7 AM – 9 PM Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 8 PM Sundays & Holidays

There will still be flexibility for essential projects. Critical infrastructure work will be exempt, and developers can apply for Noise Exemption Permits for urgent or high-priority projects.

Your voice matters

On February 10, Council directed Administration to get public feedback on the proposed community standards bylaw. The current bylaw considers best practices from other municipalities, municipal enforcement data and engagement results from Envision Cochrane 2050. Your comments will be shared with Council before they make their final decision. View the full proposed bylaw and frequently asked questions for more information.

Share your thoughts

Submit your feedback about the proposed community standards bylaw below or through the quick poll.


About the project

In October 2024, the provincial government provided funding through the Community Justice Grant to support municipalities in establishing a community standards bylaw. This bylaw brings together three older bylaws into one easy-to-follow set of rules and gives local peace officers better tools to handle minor offences like vandalism, public disturbances and excessive noise. The goal is to keep Cochrane’s public spaces safe and enjoyable without overburdening the RCMP or the court system.

What's changing?

This bylaw will replace and simplify three existing bylaws:

  • Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw (2007)
  • Snow Removal Bylaw (2009)
  • Noise Control Bylaw (2011)

1. Significant changes to Nuisance and Unsightly Premises (Bylaw 04-2007 vs. 06-2025)

  • New definition of "Visual Blight" (includes excessive accumulation of materials, dilapidated buildings, etc.).
  • Composting regulations introduced (prohibiting pet waste, requiring 10m distance from dwellings).
  • Boulevard maintenance responsibility clarified for adjacent property owners.
  • More structured enforcement with penalties and cost recovery via property tax

2. Significant snow removal changes (Bylaw 01-2009 vs 06-2025)

  • 10% administrative fee added for town-enforced snow removal, chargeable to property tax.
  • Explicit requirement for roof/awning maintenance to prevent dangerous ice formations.
  • Increased enforcement measures with clearer penalties and charge recovery mechanisms.

3. Significant changes to noise control (Bylaw 16-2011 vs. 06-2025)

  • New exemptions for common sounds (church bells, wind chimes, children playing).
  • Vehicle noise restrictions expanded (includes limits on large vehicle idling over 5,450 kg).
  • Clearer noise enforcement process (sound level measurements and conditions for exemptions).
  • Increased authority for officials to revoke noise exemptions for non-compliance.

We’re also making adjustments to Section 16 - Noise control (construction noise). Over the past year, 31 complaints about construction noise have been reported. To address this, we're proposing shortening construction hours by one hour on Monday to Saturdays, and two hours on Sundays and Holidays.

  • Current hours: 7 AM – 10 PM Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 10 PM Sundays & Holidays
  • Proposed hours: 7 AM – 9 PM Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 8 PM Sundays & Holidays

There will still be flexibility for essential projects. Critical infrastructure work will be exempt, and developers can apply for Noise Exemption Permits for urgent or high-priority projects.

Your voice matters

On February 10, Council directed Administration to get public feedback on the proposed community standards bylaw. The current bylaw considers best practices from other municipalities, municipal enforcement data and engagement results from Envision Cochrane 2050. Your comments will be shared with Council before they make their final decision. View the full proposed bylaw and frequently asked questions for more information.

Share your thoughts

Submit your feedback about the proposed community standards bylaw below or through the quick poll.


Page last updated: 18 Mar 2025, 09:28 AM