Good neighbours maintain their property and we want to help! This page contains useful information on various topics that residents will find helpful. Click on any button below to jump directly to the content you are looking for.
Addressing (civic number)
A visible civic number on your home benefits more than just the mail carrier; it assists emergency responders and municipal operations like curbside collection. That’s why it is required under the Community Standards Bylaw.
All dwellings within the region must clearly display its given civic number on or near front entrances in numbers at least three inches in height and in a contrasting colour that can be easily read from the roadway.
It is also encouraged that civic numbers be clearly displayed at the back of properties that are adjacent to alleys or public walkways.
Community Standards Bylaw 2021/010
Curbside collection (garbage and recycling)
Homeowners/occupants are responsible for proper disposal of household garbage and recycling. Use the links below to find more information about curbside collection and other garbage and recycling programs in our region.
- Garbage and recycling calendar
- Curbside collection bins
- Landfill
- Recycling depots
- Rural waste collection
- Seasonal programs:
- What Goes Where?
Fat, oil, and grease disposal
When fat, oil and grease (FOG) is poured down the drain, it builds up over time and creates blockages in residential pipes and municipal sewer systems. These blockages can result in backups, costly repairs, or even property damage. Neighbours could also be affected because FOG makes its way further down your drain and into the municipal sewer system.
Find out how to reduce the impacts of FOG at rmwb.ca/fog.
Sanitary Sewer Utilities Bylaw No. 85/51
Fire pits
Recreational/backyard fire pits do not require a permit but there are strict requirements that must be followed to prevent fire hazards and keep your home and neighbourhood safe. These rules also apply to portable fire pits.
Fires can never be left unattended. They must be supervised at all times by someone at least 18 years old. An adequate means to extinguish the fire must be within reach, such as water, sand or a fire extinguisher.
Is your back yard FireSmart? Learn about the principles of FireSmart and the preventative measures to reduce the risk of fires at home.
Garage sales
Residents are permitted to host a sale of used household goods for a maximum of two (2) consecutive days and for a maximum of three (3) sales in one calendar year starting on January 1.
Any promotional signage is asked to be removed within 24 hours of the sale ending.
Land Use Bylaw No. 99/059 Community Standards Bylaw 21/010
Grass, weeds and pesticides
A beautiful neighbourhood makes for happy neighbours. Unkempt properties are not only unsightly but can create animosity amongst one another. Property owners/occupants of both developed and vacant lots are responsible for property upkeep.
Grass and weeds are not permitted to exceed a height of 15 cm (6 inches).
It is also the responsibility of owners/occupants to manage the grass and weeds to the curb of the road, including the strip of grass that may be between the sidewalk and the road. This strip of grass is also known as a Right-of-Way. While this property does belong to the Municipality, it is residents’ responsibility to maintain this area.
Following the Alberta Weed Control Act, property owners/occupants must destroy restricted weeds, control of noxious weeds, and prevent nuisance weeds from spreading or scattering. For more information, view the Alberta Weed Control Act.
Trees or shrubs growing on a property must not interfere with or endanger visibility to street signage or sidewalk and roadway clearance. It is also the responsibility of owners/occupants to control or eliminate insect pests harmful to the growth and development of trees and shrubs or any vegetable or plant life.
Community Standards Bylaw 2021/010
Home-based business
Residents who operate a business out of their home are considered either a home occupation or a home-based business. Both require permits and licenses and may be subject to specific conditions. Those who operate businesses out of their homes can be good neighbours by reducing the business’ impacts on their neighbourhood. Being mindful of things like noise, parking, lighting, etc. can be beneficial
for everyone.
For more information and to apply for permits, visit rmwb.ca/permits.
Noise control
Noisy neighbourhoods can be frustrating; especially if you’re working on shift and each hour of sleep counts. Did you know that the Municipality addresses noise control in the Community Standards Bylaw? It covers loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that is likely to disturb the peace of others. This includes idling vehicles in residential areas. Vehicles are only permitted to idle for 30 minutes unless the temperature is below -20°C or above 30°C.
Noise restrictions are also imposed on construction activity in a residential zone, which may only occur:
- Between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays
- Between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sundays and statutory holidays
Community Standards Bylaw 2021/010
Nuisance on a property
“Nuisance” means any activity upon any property that is offensive to any person, or has or may have a detrimental impact upon any person or other property in the neighbourhood.
There are a variety of designations within the parameters of “nuisance,” and while many have already been captured and outlined throughout the “Maintaining Your Property” segment of this document, the areas not yet outlined as a nuisance property are as follows:
- Loose litter
- Offensive odours
- A building or vegetation that interferes or obstructs visibility, the sidewalk, or public work
- The generation of excessive dust, dirt or smoke
- The excessive accumulation of or failure to dispose of discarded or dilapidated furniture or household appliances, scrap metals, scrap lumber, tires, and motor vehicle parts
- The failure to dispose of any rubbish or garbage accumulated upon any property
- Standing water that could pose a danger to the public
- Damage or deterioration to the exterior of buildings or fences
- The posting or exhibiting of posters, signs, billboards, placards, writings or pictures upon any fence or wall or any other property or parked vehicle, where the same are accumulated and become dilapidated and unsightly
Community Standards Bylaw 2021/010
Sidewalk snow & ice clearing
Life in the north comes with long, cold winters, including snow and ice. Residents are responsible for removing snow or ice on sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours after a snowfall. Snow clearing on municipal land is maintained by the Municipality’s Public Works team.
We want to keep everyone safe, so remember that while you want to keep your car warm, you cannot place an electrical cord on the sidewalk. Be a good neighbour and build a stanchion to suspend the cord at least 2.4 m above the sidewalk. This will allow for safe passage of your neighbours.
Did you know that the windrow created during municipal winter maintenance is the responsibility of the owner/occupant to remove?
If a property has any type of structure within three metres of a roadway or public space, accumulated snow, ice, dripping water on the roof/eaves/awnings must be removed.
If you’d like to raise your neighbourly status to angelic, visit rmwb.ca/snowangels, to find out how you can volunteer for those who need an extra hand this winter.
Community Standards Bylaw 2021/010
Vehicle storage
A motor vehicle shall not be parked in a front or side yard except on an approved driveway; property owners/occupants are not permitted to store or accumulate broken-down vehicles or motor vehicle parts on their property.
Only one recreational vehicle or utility trailer may be kept on a residential lot in the urban service area. A recreational vehicle to be used on a property for living and sleeping is not permitted for longer than a two-week period per calendar year.
Watering your lawn
Be mindful of neighbours when watering your lawn with a hose or sprinkler system. Water can spray beyond the perimeters of your property causing safety issues or unwanted outflow to adjacent properties and sidewalks. With a little consideration, you can avoid raining on your neighbour’s parade.