Bylaws and Policies

The “by” in bylaw is an old Norse word that means “town.” A bylaw is simply a town, or local, law.

Canadian municipalities don't have constitutional status of their own, so they can only pass laws authorized by other levels of government. Statutes like the Municipal Government Act and the Traffic Safety Act delegate authority for local bylaws. The “whereas” clause you see at the beginning of bylaws usually explains where the authority for the bylaw is coming from.

Some bylaws are mandatory. For example, every municipality in Alberta must pass a Land Use Bylaw. Some bylaws are required only if a municipality wants to carry out a certain type of activity. A town doesn't have to require business licensing, for example, but if they do, they need a bylaw. Bylaws can also customize provincial statutes to allow for local enforcement or reduced fines in areas like traffic safety.

Hythe officially became a hamlet within the County of Grande Prairie on July 1, 2021. The bylaws established by Village Council will remain in place until County Council reviews them and decides to remove or replace the bylaws. 

Listed below are frequently referenced bylaws of Hythe. They will be referenced on this page until they are removed or replaced by County Council.

• Land Use
• Borrowing - Road Improvement
• Cannabis Land Use
• 2021 Tax Bylaw Rescinded December 21, 2021. 
• Penalties on Unpaid Taxes (Amendment to Penalties on Unpaid Taxes) - Rescinded July 12, 2021. 
• Burning and Fire Pits Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Bylaw 3122 County Fire Bylaw.
• False Alarms Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Bylaw 3122 County Fire Bylaw. 
• Traffic Control Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Bylaw 3024 General Traffic Bylaw.
• Unsightly Premises Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Bylaw 3098 Community Standards Bylaw.
• Dog Bylaw Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Bylaw 3032 Animal Control Bylaw. 
• Cannabis Consumption Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Replaced by Bylaw 3098 Community Standards Bylaw. 
• Community Standards Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Replaced by Bylaw 3098 Community Standards Bylaw.
• Snow Removal Rescinded July 12, 2021. Replaced by Bylaw 3024 General Traffic Bylaw.
• Controlling Municipal Water Supply System Rescinded July 12, 2021. 

On July 1, 2021, three County of Grande Prairie bylaws will come into effect in Hythe,

• Discharge of Weapons (prohibiting the discharge of weapons in Hythe)
• Parkland Conservation (rules for proper use of parks, trails, campgrounds and greenspaces in Hythe) 
• Regional Fire Services Bylaw (rules for fires and fireworks)

All County of Grande Prairie bylaws are available by visiting bylaws. For information, email Regional Enforcement Services or call 780-532-9727. 

Policies are documents that guide how the County operates and provides services, and where necessary, establish how the functions are performed, and services delivered.

You might notice in the paper that a bylaw has received “first reading,” or that it passed “third reading.” All bylaws must pass three readings before they can become law. This means that Council has three separate chances to consider the pros and cons, and to vote, on a bylaw. This regulation ensures that every bylaw is carefully considered before it is passed.

First reading is a test of whether Council wishes to consider an issue at all. It is not usually an indication of whether Council supports the bylaw. Second reading is when council can debate the issue, make amendments, and vote again. This time, council is voting on whether they support the bylaw. Third reading is the last chance for debate, amendments and voting.

If a bylaw fails any of the readings, it dies.

Lots of things can happen in between bylaw readings. In some cases, like Land Use Bylaws, municipalities are required to hold a public hearing after first reading has passed, but before second reading is considered. After the public hearing, council will call for second reading, which is when they can debate the bylaw, propose changes, and ultimately vote on whether it should pass.

Sometimes council will decide to hold a public hearing, or gather public input in other ways, even when it is not required by legislation. Council also sometimes asks municipal staff to provide more information before a final decision is made. This usually happens after second reading, when Council has had a chance to debate the issue and determine if they need more input before continuing.

Learn more about our approach and official strategy for public participation.

Bylaws under consideration can be found in the council agenda packages which are posted to the Council Meeting Agendas, Minutes & Highlights page. For more information about bylaws, contact Legislative Services at 780-532-9722 or by email at legislativeservices@countygp.ab.ca.