By-Laws FAQ
Why do we have bylaws?
The creation of bylaws have been in existence since the mid 1800’s. Previously, neighbors would solve their disagreements in very barbaric ways. The creation of bylaws and enforcement were established to allow neighbors to live in harmony with each other.
Bylaws have been created to ensure safety and compliance with rules in Vermilion. These rules provide for a safe environment and make Vermilion an aesthetically appealing town to live or visit.
How long do I have to shovel the snow from my sidewalk?
Your sidewalk must be cleaned within 48 hours of the previous snowfall. This includes business property and residential property. The town will not clean your sidewalks for you. You are responsible for the sidewalk adjacent to your property. This includes houses located on corner lots.
Can I operate my snowmobile in town?
Snowmobiles are permitted to travel on the snowmobile route through town. The snowmobile bylaw allows access to and from town. This prevents trailering of snowmobiles. Snowmobilers must access the designated route by the most direct path of travel to the snowmobile route. The town airport, fairgrounds, ball diamonds, provincial property, and parks are not to be used for snowmobiling.
Snowmobile Bylaw & 2005 Amendment
Map - Snowmobile Route
Do I have to cut the grass on the boulevard adjacent to my property?
Yes you do.
Do my dogs and cats need a new license every year?
Cats and dogs can be sneaky and get out of the house or yard. The Town of Vermilion needs to know how to locate the owners of the animal to ensure quick and timely return. The cats and dogs without identification tags are considered to be strays; therefore the Town cannot contact you, the owners, to inform you that you are missing a pet. Licensing your cat or dog also allows possible identification of animals in the kennels by cross referencing the town files. (For example: tattoos, marking, breeds, scars and microchips).
Vermilion requires that pet owners register their dogs and cats upon 2 weeks of moving to Vermilion, and again by January 15 annually.
Why license my cat if she/he never leaves the house? Why license my dog if she/he never leaves the yard?
Animals have a tendency to get out from time to time. If a Good Samaritan or Bylaw Officer picked up your cat or dog you will be notified immediately. When your cat or dog is wearing his/her tags there is no mistaking him/her for a stray. This will limit the chances that your cat or dog will be adopted to another family or euthanized. The Town of Vermilion has an animal control bylaw that states all cats and dogs must be licensed.
Can my dog be off leash if in town of vermilion?
A dog is not allowed to be off leash at any time when the dog is off the owners' property. This prevents dogs from chasing cars, people and dog attacks and from being hit by a vehicle.
Do I have to pick up after my dog?
All pet owners are responsible to carry a bag or a device that will pick-up feces when they are not on their own property. Pet owners have to be aware that private and public property is not an appropriate place to leave their cat or dog's messes and must dispose of the bag or device appropriately.
Does Vermilion have an Off-Leash dog park?
No.
What is the deal with my advertising signs on town property?
Signs cannot be posted on town property. When people forget to take down garage sale signs or other temporary signs, they often become litter on the streets. Town property includes:
- Parks
- Fences
- Sidewalks
- Boulevards
- Power poles
- Town Buildings
- Town parking lot
How long can my recreational vehicle be parked on the street?
A recreational vehicle can be parked on the street unattached to a vehicle for a period of 48 hours. The owner of the RV can only use this provision once with a period of seven days. All electrical cords attached to an RV must be suspended a height of 2.4m by stanchions, as this prevents pedestrians from tripping over the electrical cords on sidewalks.
Can I park my heavy vehicle on the street?
Heavy vehicles can only be parked in commercial areas designated for heavy parking. You cannot park your heavy vehicle in front of your house in a residential driveway/yard.
Can I have a fire pit in my yard?
House owners must have a fire permit to have a fire pit in their yard. If house owners do not have a permit, an application for a permit can be made to the Town of Vermilion.