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By-Law Enforcement

A GENERAL GUIDE TO ENFORCEMENT WITHIN THE TOWN OF GODERICH

Respecting the rights of our neighbours and ensuring that our property values are maintained is an important aspect of community living. At times, however, boundaries may be crossed and the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer is given the task of investigating complaints received from the public about alleged violations of various municipal by-laws. In addition, the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer is given the duty of enforcing sections of the Highway Traffic Act, the Municipal Act, and the Provincial Offences Act. The enforcement of the aforementioned Acts is imperative in order to ensure an increased degree of safety for our residents and visitors.  

The goal of the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer is not to penalize the citizens of Goderich or visitors to our Town but, rather, to achieve compliance through education and the provision of information in order to preserve the quality of life to which each citizen is entitled. 

ENFORCEMENT

The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer enforces approximately 20 regulatory by-laws, as well as Council policies, guidelines, and resolutions within the boundaries of the Town of Goderich. Included in these regulatory by-laws are the Property Maintenance, Clean and Clear, Traffic, Signs, Fences, Outdoor Cafes and Mobile Canteens, Parks, Solid Waste, Noise, Open Burning, Snow Removal, Lawn Watering, Property Standards, etc. While there are areas of enforcement that are safety related and require proactive enforcement, the majority of these by-laws are enforced on a complaint only basis. This ensures that the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer is serving the needs of the community and that the complaints received are of relevant concern and importance. To make a complaint regarding a violation of regulations contained in one of our by-laws, the Town requires the complainant to provide their name, address, phone number, as well as their relationship to the issue that the complaint is regarding. Should the complainant refuse to provide this information, no action will be taken by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, except in cases relating to health or safety issues. Enforcement procedures may take many courses. Each complaint is different and the enforcement proceedings are decided based upon the individual case. Enforcement proceedings, in most cases, are completed within one month of the initial complaint. Depending on the volume of complaints, co-operation of the property owner or person in violation, specific circumstances of the case, and enforcement proceedings required, completion of the procedure may take longer.

HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT

The Town of Goderich will receive complaints in various ways; by phone at 519-524-8344, by fax at 519-524-7209, by email , and in person at our office (Monday to Friday 8:00-4:00) at 57 West Street. Please ensure that all complaints include a name, phone number, relationship to the property or individual that you are making the complaint about, and the issue. Should the complaint be made in print, The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may wish to call and confirm information, or ask further questions regarding the issue. It should also be noted that complainant information is considered confidential and will not be released to the person whose property is under complaint. In special circumstances the Town may request or require a complainant to act as a witness, should a case be required to be settled in court. This is usually done as a last resort. A complainant would normally be informed of this requirement at the time of the initial complaint or during the investigative process. 

Chris M. Basden
Municipal Law Enforcement Officer

Winter Parking By-Law

Overnight parking of motor vehicles on municipal roadways is prohibited during winter months (November 15th to March 15th) and is an offence punishable by a fine.

It is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act to push snow onto any roadway. Snow must be placed on your own property, not on neighbouring properties or pushed across the street. Frozen snow piles create a hazard for motorized vehicles.

We thank you for your consideration to this matter.

Lawn Watering Restrictions: May 15 to August 31

Specified days are:

  • Municipal address is odd number = odd calendar days 
  • Municipal address is even number = even calendar days

Properties without an automatic watering system may water between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., while properties with an automatic watering system may water between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the applicable days.

Special water permits for new sod are available at the Town Hall.

The following documents can be downloaded (PDF format):