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City to take 'zero-tolerance approach' to bylaw enforcement

'We really just want to encourage people to be good neighbours,' official says
2021-03-24 Barrie municipal bylaw RB
A Barrie municipal bylaw enforcement vehicle is shown in a file photo.

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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The City of Barrie would like to remind all residents of the importance of complying with the city’s bylaws and the consequences of non-compliance.

Enforcement services will begin a more proactive and zero-tolerance approach to enforcement of city bylaws.

Bylaws are rules and regulations that are enforced by the city to maintain safety, order, and quality of life for residents. Bylaws cover a wide range of topics such as animal control, property maintenance, parking regulations, waste management, and noise control.

“We really just want to encourage people to be good neighbours so we can ensure a high standard of living for all residents,” said Tammy Banting, manager of enforcement services. “It’s important that all residents are aware of our bylaws and understand their obligations to comply with them — ignorance of bylaws is not an excuse for breaking the law.”

Some of the common bylaw infractions that Barrie enforcement staff respond to are:

  • Animal control (dogs off leash or running at large)
  • Yard maintenance (garbage and debris on property, lack of lawn cutting, inoperable vehicles outside the property)
  • Parking (parking on or over the sidewalk or curb, parking on boulevards, parking within one-and-a-half metres of a driveway, parking in posted school zones)
  • Smoking (smoking in or around parks or sports fields, rec centres or other city facilities)
  • Nuisance/waste management (illegal dumping on public property, improper disposal of waste) 

The city has an enforcement team that monitors compliance with bylaws and takes action when necessary. This may include issuing warnings, fines, and even court proceedings in some cases.

Fines range from $30 to $1,000 and services fees range from $60 to $1,000, depending on the violation. Fines may be higher if the matter is brought before the courts.

To learn more about all the city’s bylaws, visit barrie.ca/Bylaws. Residents who have questions or concerns about city bylaws are encouraged to contact enforcement services at 705-739-4241.

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