For those who are dumping in the city illegally, the fines could add up to a lot more than what could have been a responsible drive to the city landfill.
When the city shut down all municipal services on March 17, it included the city’s landfill on Ferndale Drive.
Since then, there have been 34 dumping complaints made to the city. This includes dumping on municipal property, private property, such as in plaza and residential complex waste receptacles, and on undeveloped private land.
Jason Forgrave, the city's supervisor of enforcement services, told BarrieToday about how complaints are handled by staff once they are received, citing one example in particular.
“Our enforcement services staff made contact with (a) property owner to advise of the issues and the required clean-up action,” Forgrave said. “There are legislated timelines that enforcement services are required to follow to allow time for the owner to be compliant. Once those dates have expired, the officer will issue an order to have the work completed and, if necessary, the city will hire a contractor to complete the work.”
A BarrieToday reader reached out about illegal dumping happening on vacant land in the area of Yonge Street and Little Avenue.
Speaking to that specific issue, Forgrave said a service request was initiated with the operations department and “staff are in the process of installing a ‘No Dumping’ sign in the area.”
Barrie’s landfill was reopened to the public on May 14 with restrictions and COVID safety guidelines.
For those who are dumping illegally around the city instead of waiting in a slightly longer line at the landfill, Forgrave reminds them that it isn't cheap or convenient if you’re caught doing the illegal dumping deed.
“Enforcement of these regulations could result in a caution and notice to return to the site and remove all dumped items,” he said. "You will also be charged by way of a provincial offences ticket for minor violations with a set fine of $150, or by laying an information (swearing out documents in front of a justice of the peace) to bring the accused before the courts, which carries a maximum fine of $5,000 per person, per offence.”
Forgrave asks anyone who sees illegal dumping to contact Enforcement Services so they can investigate and take action if needed.
