How do I file an air quality complaint in Burnaby?

Use the City of Burnaby online bylaw complaint form for local nuisances, or contact Metro Vancouver for regional air-quality concerns; see the links above for the correct intake page.

What information should I provide when reporting?

Provide exact address or coordinates, date and time, a description of the problem, photos or video, and whether anyone is injured or at risk.

Will my report be public?

Complaint records and privacy are handled per municipal and regional policies; for specifics, consult the agency's privacy statements on their websites.

Air Quality Complaints in Burnaby - Bylaw Reporting

Environmental Protection British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

· By Daniel Roy

Burnaby, British Columbia residents who notice smoke, odours, visible emissions or suspected industrial releases should report concerns promptly to municipal and regional authorities. Start with the City of Burnaby bylaw complaint portal or by contacting By-law Enforcement for local issues; for region-wide monitoring and source-control matters, contact Metro Vancouver's air quality services. Visit the City reporting page^[1] and Metro Vancouver air quality^[2] for forms and guidance.

What to Report

Report observable or persistent issues that may affect health or nuisance levels, including:

Visible smoke from open burning or industrial stacks
Strong or unusual odours coming from a property
Frequent dust, visible particulate emissions, or chemical releases

File reports with exact locations and times to help investigators.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility depends on source and jurisdiction. Local nuisances, burning and bylaw offences are handled by the City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement unit; industrial emissions and statutory breaches may be handled by Metro Vancouver or the BC Ministry of Environment under provincial statutes.

Enforcer: City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement for municipal bylaws; Metro Vancouver and BC Ministry of Environment for regional or statutory air-quality matters
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page
Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease activity, abatement notices, compliance directions, and referral to provincial enforcement or court
Appeals/review: procedures and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages; follow instructions on the enforcing agency's decision notices
Defences/discretion: agencies may consider permits, variances, or a "reasonable excuse" where allowed, but specifics are not specified on the cited pages

If an incident risks immediate harm, call emergency services before filing a bylaw complaint.

Applications & Forms

City of Burnaby online complaint form: use the City reporting portal for bylaw complaints and nuisance reports; submission details are on the City page
Metro Vancouver complaint guidance: use Metro Vancouver's air quality contact options for regional monitoring and complaint intake
Deadlines/fees: not specified on the cited pages

Investigation & Response Process

After a complaint is received, agencies typically log the report, assess jurisdiction, and decide whether to inspect. Inspectors may document evidence, require corrective actions, issue notices, or escalate to provincial regulators for sources beyond municipal authority.

Initial screening and jurisdiction check by intake staff
On-site inspections when warranted
Evidence collection: photographs, witness statements, and monitoring data
Referral to provincial authorities where statutory limits or permits are implicated

Action Steps for Residents

Document time, location, weather, and take photos or video where safe
File a complaint online with the City of Burnaby or contact Metro Vancouver for regional issues
Keep records of your report number, any inspector communications, and follow up if the issue continues

Persistent or repeated problems are more likely to trigger inspections and enforcement action.

FAQ

How do I file an air quality complaint in Burnaby?: Use the City of Burnaby online bylaw complaint form for local nuisances, or contact Metro Vancouver for regional air-quality concerns; see the links above for the correct intake page.
What information should I provide when reporting?: Provide exact address or coordinates, date and time, a description of the problem, photos or video, and whether anyone is injured or at risk.
Will my report be public?: Complaint records and privacy are handled per municipal and regional policies; for specifics, consult the agency's privacy statements on their websites.

How-To

Note the time, location, and nature of the air quality problem and take photographs if safe.
Check jurisdiction: if the source appears local (backyard burning, business emissions), start with City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement; if regional or industrial, contact Metro Vancouver.
Submit an online complaint or call the listed contact numbers on the official pages and retain your report number.
Follow any inspector directions and provide additional evidence if requested.
If unsatisfied with the outcome, ask the enforcing agency about appeal routes or contact provincial regulators for permit-related breaches.

Key Takeaways

Report promptly with clear evidence to increase the chance of enforcement.
Use the City portal for local bylaw issues and Metro Vancouver for regional air-quality matters.
Keep records of your complaint and any communications with inspectors.