Enforcement and Animal Complaints

By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services is committed to ensuring the health, safety and well-being of residents and visitors to our City. By reporting violations of City by-laws, you too can play an active role towards ensuring a high quality of life for everyone who works, plays and lives in the City of Vaughan.

ByLaw

How can I file a by-law complaint?

By-law complaints can be made in 3 ways:

  1. By email
    Send your complaint to bylaw@vaughan.ca 
    If your complaint is about an animal (i.e. barking dog or coyote) contact Vaughan Animal Services by email animal.services@vaughan.ca

  2. In person
    Visit the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Counter at Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1.
    Regular business hours are 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays)

  3. By phone
    Call 905-832-2281. Calls are answered 24h a day, 7 days a week.

     

 

What information do I need to make a by-law complaint?

It is important to provide as much detail as possible regarding the contravention. The following information is required when making a by-law complaint:
 

  • Address of the contravention (i.e. 123 Mango Street, Vaughan)

  • Date and time when the contravention was first observed

  • Detailed description of the contravention 

  • Name of the contravener, if known.

  • Motor vehicle violations require a description of the motor vehicle and licence plate identification if possible.
     

 

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

The City does not accept anonymous complaints but your identity and information is kept confidential.

In keeping with the City of Vaughan's Anonymous Calls Policy 06.02.01 (PDF), By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services (including Animal Services) does not accept anonymous complaints. Complainant information is never released to the alleged contravener and is protected under the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act on all active by-law related complaints.  Visit the City's Access and Privacy page to learn more about how your information is protected.

What happens after I make my complaint?

All by-law complaints are reviewed and investigated. The information below outlines the basic steps that City staff take for every complaint.

1
Complaint Received and Reviewed

A Citizen Service Representative will collect information about the complaint and enter into the complaint management system. The complaint will be assigned to the appropriate enforcement team for investigation - Animal Control, Property Standards, Parking and Signs, or Special Enforcment and Licensing. It is important to provide as much information as possible when making a complaint to ensure quick response.

2
Officer Review

A Municipal Law Enforcment Officer will review and contact the person who made the complaint to ask more questions and provide additional information on next steps.

3
Investigation and Assessment

The assigned Municipal Law Enforcement Officer will conduct an investigation including visiting the location to conduct a site visit. The officer will assess the situation to determine if there is a contravention of the city's by-laws. The officer may collect evidence, take photographs, and conduct interviews.

4
Compliance Action

If a concern is identified, the officer may issue a Penalty Notice (fine) wight away, or a written notice to the contravener encouraging them to address the issue within a set timeframe. For urgent matters, officers may take immediate steps to protect the health and safety of the public. It is important to remember that every situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis and enforcement action is considered carefully - our goal is always to work together with contraveners, offering guidance and education—resorting to fines only when absolutely necessary.

5
Follow-up and Close

After an investigation is complete, the officer will follow up with the person who made the complaint, if requested. All information collected during the investigation is recorded in the complaint management system.

Additional Resources

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