As you undertake your spring cleanup projects, the Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section of the Medicine Hat Police Service and Cypress County are reminding residents to cover loads being transported throughout the city and county, specifically during trips to the landfill.

The cleanliness of our roadways is not only an environmental issue, but also a safety factor. Therefore, it is important not only to understand the rules, but comply and encourage others to do the same.

The City of Medicine Hat Waste Bylaw # 1805 states;

“No person shall convey through the highways any garbage, or offal from butcher shops or slaughter houses, or any waste or organic matter whatever except in properly covered receptacles or otherwise in vehicles which are covered or otherwise constrained so as to prevent the contents of any of them from falling on the highways”

A person who fails to comply with section 8 of the waste bylaw could receive a fine of $100.

In addition, Alberta law requires all vehicles on a highway to have loads adequately secured. For the purpose of this message we are highlighting section 65 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulations (VER) of the Traffic Safety Act, which states:

65(1) A person shall not use a vehicle to transport goods unless,

1. The vehicle is constructed to carry the goods, and
2. There is equipment on the vehicle or attached to the vehicle that is capable of securing the goods to ensure that the vehicle can be operated safely when loaded and without danger of

turning over the vehicle, or the load shifting swaying, blowing off, falling off, leaking or otherwise escaping.

A fine for a violation under S. 65 of the VER is $465

Before you start driving, ensure that you:

• Cover sand, gravel, and dirt with a tarp and keep it at least 75 millimeters below the top of your vehicle’s box or container
• Place light objects lower in the container instead of at the top of your load
• Use a rope, bungee cords, nets, or straps to tie tarps and other objects down
• Tie large items, like mattresses and construction equipment, directly to your vehicle
• Put loose items, like garbage and yard waste, in a covered container so that it is easier to secure
• Attach a flag to any items that extend beyond the back of your vehicle

To report bylaw violations within the City of Medicine Hat call 403-529-8481. If you have questions related to this or any other bylaw enforcement issue please call the information line 403-529-8400.

To report violations within Cypress County contact the County office at 403-526-2888 or the Redcliff RCMP at 403 548 2288.

Media Contact:

Heather Trail
Supervisor of Municipal Bylaw Enforcement
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8436

Or

Anna Mast
Peace Officer
Cypress County
Ph: 403-526-2888