File a Complaint About a Burnaby Public Official

General Governance and Administration British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, you can report concerns about elected officials, appointed board members, or city staff to the offices that handle conduct and bylaw enforcement. Start by identifying whether the complaint concerns conduct, a bylaw enforcement action, or staff behaviour; complaints about council conduct or procedural matters are handled by the City Clerk or Corporate Officer, while bylaw enforcement concerns are handled by By-law Enforcement. See the City Clerk contact page for filing instructions and official processes City Clerk / Corporate Officer[1].

How to file a complaint

Before filing, collect clear evidence: dates, times, photos, video, records of communication, and names of witnesses. Prepare a concise written statement and copies of supporting documents. Submit complaints using the contact methods listed by the responsible office (email, online form or mail). Where the allegation is a criminal matter, contact police directly.

  • Prepare a written statement describing the incident and desired outcome.
  • Attach evidence: photos, video, emails, witness names and dates.
  • Use the official City Clerk or By-law Enforcement contact channels to submit the complaint.
  • Note any statutory or procedural deadlines in the relevant office instructions; if not listed, ask the office when you submit.
Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement depends on the nature of the complaint. By-law Enforcement handles breaches of municipal bylaws; the City Clerk or Council handles complaints about council conduct and protocol. Specific monetary fines, escalation steps, timelines and appeal procedures are set out in the controlling bylaws or administrative policies on the City pages. For bylaw enforcement particulars and enforcement contacts, consult the City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement pages By-law Enforcement[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the specific bylaw referenced in an enforcement notice.
  • Escalation: first/warning, tickets or orders to remedy, then increased fines or prosecution where applicable; ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work or remedial orders, seizure or litigation may be used as applicable under the controlling bylaw or statute.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement or the City Clerk for conduct matters; inspection and investigation pathways are available via the offices listed above.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes, review bodies and time limits depend on the bylaw or policy; time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If the matter appears criminal, contact police rather than relying solely on municipal complaint processes.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes complaint forms or instructions for some complaint types; where a specific form exists, the City Clerk or By-law Enforcement page will show name, purpose and submission method. If no form is published for your issue, submit a clear written complaint by email or mail as directed on the relevant office page.

Action steps you can take

  • Document: Create a clear, dated incident log with evidence.
  • Submit: Send the complaint to the City Clerk or By-law Enforcement by the channel they provide.
  • Follow up: Ask for an acknowledgement and expected timelines for investigation.
  • Pay or contest: If a ticket or fine is issued, follow the notice for payment or contest options.
Timely, specific evidence speeds municipal investigations.

Common violations that trigger complaints

  • Bylaw breaches: noise, property standards, illegal construction or zoning violations.
  • Conduct complaints: alleged breaches of council conduct or procedural rules.
  • Enforcement disputes: disagreement with an officer’s decision, ticket or order.

FAQ

Who investigates complaints about a public official?
The responsible office depends on the issue: By-law Enforcement investigates bylaw breaches; the City Clerk or Corporate Officer manages complaints about council conduct and procedural matters.
Can I remain anonymous when I file a complaint?
Anonymous tips may be accepted for some bylaw matters, but providing contact information helps investigators follow up; check the office guidance when you submit.
How long do investigations take?
Timelines vary by case complexity and caseload; the City office should provide an expected timeline when they acknowledge your complaint.

How-To

  1. Identify the issue and responsible office (City Clerk for conduct, By-law Enforcement for bylaw breaches).
  2. Gather evidence: photos, dates, witness names and copies of communications.
  3. Submit a clear written complaint using the official contact channel for that office.
  4. Request an acknowledgement and estimated timeline; ask about appeal or review routes if you disagree with the outcome.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the correct office: City Clerk for conduct, By-law Enforcement for bylaws.
  • Document evidence clearly and keep copies of everything you submit.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City Clerk / Corporate Officer - City of Burnaby
  2. [2] By-law Enforcement - City of Burnaby

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