By-law Enforcement

By-law enforcement division approach and philosophy:

The By-law Enforcement Division takes a balanced and consistent approach toward enforcement, seeking to gain compliance with municipal regulatory by-law requirements through various methods, including community engagement and education, voluntary compliance on a case-by-case basis, and enforcement (such as fines) if voluntary compliance is not achieved. 

The Town’s philosophy is to engage, educate and enforce - moving to enforcement if success is not found via the first two mechanisms. 

While compliance is important, the By-law Enforcement Division attempts to achieve this while still delivering customer service excellence

The By-law Enforcement Division is also committed to continuous improvement. 

By-law enforcement division responsibilities:

The Niagara-on-the-Lake By-law Enforcement Division is responsible for administering and enforcing the various regulatory by-laws of the Town. The areas of responsibility include complaints, parking enforcement, licensing and more.

By-laws enforced through the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) include:

Sign By-Law

The Sign By-law requires a permit to be issued before erecting a sign. The by-law defines the different kinds of signs and their placement on private property. There are a number of exceptions to the requirement for a permit, and there are a number of signs prohibited altogether. The by-law also contains a site-specific amendment process and fee for those signs that vary in a minor way from the definitions.

Before submitting a sign application or a sign site-specific permit amendment application, consultation must occur with staff to ensure that the applications are filled out correctly and completed. 

Please contact Katie Monroe at 905-468-3266 Ext. 226 for more information regarding sign permits.

Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)

A faster and more efficient way of processing by-law tickets in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Complaints

Complaint Forms for by-law infractions can be completed using the Online Service Request & Complaint Form. Complaints may also be made in person at the Town Administration Offices in Virgil,  over the phone at 905-468-3266 Ext 0, or through email at info@notl.com. It should be noted that anonymous complaints will not be acted upon. The complainant's information is always confidential, and a complainant's name will not be revealed. The information is protected by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Naturally, where a complainant is required to give evidence in court, his or her identity will be revealed.

2024 By-Law Enforcement Metrics

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