'Fence Viewers' work to ward off neighbourly conflict

A fence conveniently divides what’s yours from your neighbours, but they’ve also been known to be the centre of some disputes.

Now the municipality of Oliver - Paipoonge has appointed its “fence viewers” - three committee members called in to help when neighbours disagree.

Oliver - Paipoonge's CAO, Peggy Dupuis said the job dates back centuries, when farmers were settling into the mid-western United States.

"It's because there's a fence in between two properties, on the property line and one is unhappy about the condition of the fence, the state of repair, or the fence is not in the right place,” said Dupuis.

Dupuis added that the group has to come to a consensus before a decision is imposed. She added the position of fence-viewer is mandated by the province.

All the fence laws are found under the Line Fences Act of Ontario.