A municipal law enforcement officer/bylaw officer can issue a penalty notice by:
- personally delivering it to the person to whom it is addressed
- leaving/posting it at the property
- regular or registered mail
Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)
Resolving certain municipal by-law matters is now faster and more convenient with the introduction of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).
Designed to improve customer service and reduce delays, AMPS allows eligible bylaw infractions to be managed through a local administrative review process rather than through the traditional Provincial Offences Court system. The result is a more accessible and efficient experience for residents while helping reduce congestion within the court system. To learn more about the process click here:
Some of the key benefits of AMPS include:
- Faster resolution of by-law matters and disputes
- A convenient local review process through Screening and Hearing Officers
- Reduced delays associated with Provincial Offences Court proceedings
- Improved customer service and accessibility for residents
- More efficient administration and tracking of bylaw infractions
- Flexible options to request reviews and, where appropriate, extensions for payment or review deadlines
AMPS has been adopted by municipalities across Ontario as a fair, effective, and customer-focused approach to managing minor bylaw infractions.
The system applies to several municipal bylaws, including:
- Animal Care and Control
- Open Air Burning
- Property Standards
- Short Term Rentals
- Travel Trailers
- Waste and Recycling
While administrative monetary penalties provide an additional enforcement tool, education and voluntary compliance remain important components of bylaw enforcement. Warnings may continue to be issued where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
How is a penalty notice issued?
What if I disagree with a penalty notice?
If you disagree with a penalty notice, you may file a dispute. To do this, you can request a screening review within 15 days of the notice's issue date. You will have the opportunity to provide evidence, such as photographs, to support your claims.
A screening officer may:
- keep the penalty notice, including any administrative fee(s)
- cancel or reduce the penalty notice, including any administrative fee(s)
- extend the time for payment of the penalty notice, including any administrative fee(s)
What if I am not satisfied with a decision?
If you still disagree with the penalty notice after the screening review, you can request a hearing appeal. The hearing appeal must be submitted within 15 days of the screening decision date.
At a hearing appeal, the hearing officer could:
- keep the Administrative Penalty, including any administrative fee(s)
- cancel or reduce the Administrative Monetary Penalty, including any administrative fee(s)
- extend the time for payment of the Administrative Monetary Penalty, including any administrative fee(s)
The hearing officer is not required to make the same decision as the screening officer.
If you do not attend your hearing review, you will be charged a fee of $150.
A hearing officer's decision is final.
What happens if I ignore my penalty notice?
Ignoring your penalty notice can:
- lead to additional administrative fees
- prevent you from being able to request a screening review
If you do not file an appeal request or pay your penalty notice:
- after 30 days: a late payment notice will be issued, and additional fees may apply:
- after 60 days: the amount owing, including any applicable fees, will be added to the property owner's tax roll and collected as municipal property taxes
We highly recommend either paying your notice or requesting an appeal as early as possible to avoid any extra fees.
What is financial hardship or undue hardship?
Financial hardship
Financial hardship means being in a situation where paying an administrative penalty or administrative fee would cause serious difficulty. Examples include personal financial circumstances, such as low income, unexpected expenses or limited resources.
Undue hardship
Undue hardship means a situation where paying an Administrative Penalty or Administrative Fee would cause serious difficulty due to financial hardship or other compassionate circumstances, such as illness, family emergencies or loss of income.
Documents to support financial hardship
If you are requesting relief from an administrative penalty or administrative fee due to financial hardship, you must bring documents to your screening review or hearing review that show your financial situation.
Examples of documents that may help support your request include:
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Disability or disability pension benefits
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- Any other form of social assistance or income support
You may also bring any other documents that show your income, expenses or financial circumstances.
