By-law enforcement team keeping Vaughan safe

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By-law enforcement team keeping Vaughan safe

4/29/2020 10:00 AM

Enforcement officers responding 24-7 to COVID-19-related calls

As the City of Vaughan implements precautionary measures in response to COVID-19, the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department continues to be at the forefront of educating the public and enforcing by-laws designed to break the chain of transmission of this global pandemic. Since Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua declared a state of emergency on March 17, more than 3,100 COVID-19-related investigations have taken place.

Most recently, the team launched Operation Guardian – an enforcement campaign to pursue charges for violations of by-laws and provincial orders. Since its launch on April 10, more than 2,300 investigations have been carried out by by-law staff. All available officers have been deployed to focus on issues such as waste, litter and adherence to provincial physical distancing regulations.

Littering and illegal dumping are prohibited and may be subject to a $205 fine. Instances of illegal dumping or littering can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. By-law enforcement officers are proactively patrolling the city for violations of illegal dumping, including inspecting all commercial plazas. Private property conditions are governed by the City’s Debris By-law and Property Standards By-law. Those who do not keep their properties clear of litter, waste and debris may be subject to a fine of $5,000 for each offence. As well, the City may have the waste and debris removed at the owner’s expense, and it may be subject to an Order to Comply, under the Building Code Act. Failing to comply with an order is a chargeable offence.

The City’s recently adopted Emergency Measures By-law – which provides authority to further enforce social and physical distancing measures, in addition to other orders during this state of emergency such as limiting access to public property – is also being actively enforced. Failure to comply with the new by-law is an offence and subject to fines ranging from $500 to $100,000.

Administrative monetary penalties, such as a parking ticket, can be paid online at PayVaughanTicket.com. To arrange an alternative method of payment or schedule a dispute appointment, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 within 15 days of receiving it. Scheduled disputes are being conducted over the phone until further notice.

With the warmer weather, By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services is also focused on outdoor maintenance services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, landscaping, lawn-care, fence and pool companies can continue to provide services related to safety, security, sanitation or essential maintenance purposes only.

Businesses including but not limited to landscapers, lawn maintenance, pool and fence companies require a Vaughan business licence to offer or provide services within the city. Operating without a valid licence is a violation and a chargeable offence. For more information about licensing, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.

In compliance with the Ontario Essential Business list and the City’s Emergency Measures By-law, service areas that can continue include:

Landscaping and lawn care, including cutting, dethatching, aeration and fertilizing
Clearing yards of refuse and debris, including the removal of animal excrement
Fence installation and repairs, with proper permits
Emergency repairs to outdoor decks, with proper permits, subject to Schedule 2 of Ontario Regulation 119/20 for construction
Pool openings so stagnant and standing water can be removed, limiting mosquito breeding
Active home construction projects with permits issued prior to April 4, 2020

Landscaping projects conducted by professional contractors for esthetic purposes do not apply. These include, but are not limited to, planting of gardens, flowers and trees, and installing pergolas, patios, interlock walkways and driveways, among others.

In enforcing these regulations, by-law officers will address and take all necessary steps to prevent any unsafe operation from continuing. Appropriate investigation and action will be taken for every reported instance to ensure that residents and their properties remain safe and that minimum maintenance standards are met. For further information, contact By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services at 905-832-2281.

For further information about the provincial list of essential businesses and related services, businesses can continue to call the Province’s ‘Stop the Spread’ Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Additional resources on the virus, including an online self-assessment tool, are also available at ontario.ca/COVID19.

All businesses must adhere to physical distancing measures set by York Region Public Health officials to ensure the well-being of everyone in the community. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.

As the City of Vaughan continues to respond to COVID-19, precautionary measures are introduced and re-assessed to help protect the health of all citizens. To stay up to date on the latest updates as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate, and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.

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