Back to SearchChange will support the success of transformational projects across the community, from town beautification efforts and reimagining the beachfront to the new Official Plan, and more
“Council is taking action to modernize our community’s approach to bylaw enforcement,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “It’s time to raise the bar – and level the playing field for residents and businesses who choose to comply with the law and support the Town’s efforts to build a safe, beautiful, thriving community.”
Wasaga Beach – Wasaga Beach is adopting a new Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) approach to encourage compliance with municipal bylaws, and promote civic pride. The step is aimed at streamlining the by-law enforcement process, increasing compliance, and supporting the success of transformational projects happening across the community, including town beautification projects, the new Official Plan, and more.
The AMPs program is a fair, effective and efficient approach to dealing with by-law infractions. It gives the municipality the ability to levy fines on businesses and individuals who fail to comply with designated Town of Wasaga Beach by-laws. If unpaid, the penalties can be added to the Tax Roll; they could also prevent an individual from renewing their driver's license.
Numerous municipalities, the province, and the federal government have adopted this approach, which also allows for cost recovery for enforcement.
Current Town of Wasaga Beach by-laws designated as part of the Town’s AMPS program include:
- Parking By-law
- Car Rally By-law
- Special Events By-law
- Business Licensing By-law
- Clean Neighbourhoods By-law
- Noise Disturbance By-law
- Nuisance By-Law
Adopting an AMPS system is part of the Town’s plan to implement a Strict But Fair, three-step spectrum of compliance actions to bring greater transparency and certainty to the by-law enforcement process:
- Notice to Discontinue
- Order to Discontinue
- Remedial Action
Non-compliance with municipal by-laws has far-reaching impacts not just on quality of life for residents, but also on local businesses and tourism. It limits the Town’s economic growth potential and puts the Town’s efforts to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable tourism sector at risk.
Benefits of the new AMPS system include:
- Creating a framework and dispute resolution process that is transparent, with a clear set of expectations for residents and businesses
- Reducing the impact of non-compliance on the residential character of neighbourhoods through reductions in noise, parking and garbage issues
- Potential for cost-recovery on enforcement
- Increasing Town proceeds from visitor parking-related penalties
- Supporting a thriving business community and vibrant tourism sector
About Wasaga Beach
The Town of Wasaga Beach aims to be a place where people come to create memories that will last a lifetime. This latest action to introduce a new, more streamlined and equitable approach to by-law compliance and enforcement – supports this vision and Council’s priorities: to build a complete and inclusive community, where all residents are happy, healthy and safe. And to ensure our municipal government is well-run. This includes achieving excellence in customer service and corporate culture. It’s part of the Town’s plan to become a leader in sustainability, creativity, innovation and fun – a place with thriving businesses and safe, inclusive and complete neighbourhoods where we celebrate our rich history, diversity of cultures and natural beauty, including the Nottawasaga River, Georgian Bay and the longest freshwater beach in the world.
Subscribe
