Report Hate Incidents - Burnaby Bylaw & City Services

Civil Rights and Equity British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, residents who experience or witness a hate incident can report it to city services, bylaw enforcement, or the police depending on the nature of the event. This guide explains how to make a report to municipal channels, what departments are involved, likely enforcement pathways, and practical next steps to preserve evidence and seek remedies. If an incident involves violence or an immediate threat, call 9-1-1 first.

If the incident is violent, call 9-1-1 immediately.

What counts as a hate incident

Hate incidents are acts, comments or conduct motivated by bias against a protected characteristic such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other grounds. Municipal services commonly handle non-criminal elements (graffiti, signage, harassment on city property) while the police investigate potential criminal offences.

How to report to Burnaby city services

  • Report bylaw concerns via the City of Burnaby complaint portal or by contacting By-law Enforcement directly[1].
  • For incidents on private property that appear criminal, contact local police or call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
  • Preserve evidence: take photos, screenshots, note dates/times and witness names; keep originals when possible.
  • If the matter relates to discriminatory treatment in services or housing, consider filing with the BC Human Rights Tribunal for civil remedies[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement varies by the instrument that applies. Criminal hate-motivated offences are investigated by police and prosecuted under federal law; municipal enforcement (By-law Enforcement) addresses bylaw breaches on city property or public spaces. The City of Burnaby publishes complaint pathways for bylaw issues but does not list hate-specific fines on its general bylaw pages.

City bylaw pages do not specify hate-specific fines; criminal prosecutions are handled by police and courts.
  • Enforcer: City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement for municipal offences, and local police for criminal offences[1].
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for hate-specific incidents; fines for general bylaw breaches are set in individual bylaws and ticket schedules.
  • Escalation: first offences, repeat or continuing contraventions are handled according to the relevant bylaw or criminal code; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: municipal orders to remove graffiti or signage, stop-work or seizure where authorized; criminal matters may lead to court-ordered remedies.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: complaints submitted to By-law Enforcement for investigation; urgent or violent incidents reported to police.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes depend on the issuing authority (ticket dispute procedures or court appeals); time limits and processes are specified in the issuing bylaw or ticket information and are not detailed on the general complaint page.
  • Defences/discretion: officers and prosecutors may consider reasonable excuse or context; permits or variances may apply for some restricted activities—check the specific bylaw or permit rules.

Applications & Forms

The City of Burnaby accepts bylaw complaints through its online complaint/reporting form and by direct contact with By-law Enforcement; no hate-incident-specific municipal form is published on the referenced pages. For discrimination claims that fall under provincial jurisdiction, an application to the BC Human Rights Tribunal is required per their process.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: save messages, take photos, and record dates, locations and witnesses.
  2. If there is immediate danger or criminal conduct, call 9-1-1.
  3. Submit a bylaw complaint to the City of Burnaby for municipal issues (graffiti, signage, public-space harassment) via the official complaint portal[1].
  4. For discrimination in services, housing or employment, review BC Human Rights Tribunal guidance and consider filing an application[2].
  5. Follow up: request a file number or reference, ask about timelines, and preserve all correspondence for appeals or tribunal processes.
Keep copies of messages and photos as evidence.

FAQ

How do I report a hate incident in Burnaby?
Report municipal issues to the City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement via the complaint portal; report criminal acts to police and emergencies to 9-1-1.
Will the City prosecute hate crimes?
Criminal prosecution is handled by police and the courts; the City enforces bylaws on city property and can order removal or remediation where applicable.
Can I file a human rights complaint?
Yes — discrimination claims may be filed with the BC Human Rights Tribunal where provincial remedies apply.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 9-1-1 for emergencies and violent incidents.
  • Use the City of Burnaby bylaw complaint portal for non-criminal municipal issues.
  • Preserve evidence and request a file number for follow-up and appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement
  2. [2] BC Human Rights Tribunal

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