Meaford, Ontario – The Municipality of Meaford is enacting the new Administrative Penalty System (APS) today, September 15, 2026, introducing a streamlined, local process for addressing violations of select municipal by-laws.
The Administrative Penalty System provides an efficient and flexible process for the payment, appeal, and collection of minor by-law infractions. Widely adopted by municipalities, as well as provincial and federal bodies, this system is designed to simplify enforcement procedures and enhance compliance with the Municipality’s By-laws. The APS approach helps reduce court congestion while offering a local, accessible, and efficient resolution process for residents on minor violations to designated municipal by-laws.
Under APS, individuals who are found to be in contravention of a designated by-law are issued a Penalty Notice (PN). The PN is payable to the Municipality. If an individual disagrees with the PN, they may complete the required form and request a screening review of the Penalty Notice. If the individual disagrees with the screening decision, they may complete the required form to request a review by a Hearing Officer. The decision of the Hearing Officer is final and binding.
The initial implementation of the APS program applies to 6 designated by-laws including noise, nuisance, signage, open air burning, property standards, and yard and boulevard maintenance.
Program Overview
- APS is an alternative way to handle some minor by-law offences.
- APS gives people a local review process instead of using the court process for these matters.
- A person can pay the penalty notice by following the instructions.
- If a person disagrees with the penalty notice, they can request a review by completing the required form.
- There is no fee to request a review.
- If a penalty is not paid, it is a debt to the Municipality and will be applied to the property as a manner of taxes.
- The program is meant to encourage people to follow the rules. It is not meant to be punitive.
To view the by-law or learn more, visit meaford.ca/APS.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries
Holly Hynes
Manager, Municipal Enforcement
21 Trowbridge Street West
Media Contact
Holly Moroney
Manager, Communications & Customer Service
21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, Ontario, Canada, N4L 1A1
Frequently Asked Questions
Although they may look similar, a Provincial Offences Notice (PON) – Part I ticket and a Penalty Notice are executed in different ways.
Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Provincial Offence Notice (PON)- Part I ticket is issued by a Provincial Offences Officer under the Provincial Offences Act and is administered and managed by the Owen Sound Court House.
- Penalty Notice is issued by a Provincial Offences Officer under the Municipal Act and is administered and managed by the Municipality of Meaford.
A screening review is the first level of review available under APS. If a person disagrees with a penalty notice, they may request a review by a Screening Officer. The Screening Officer may confirm, cancel or reduce the penalty, or extend the time for payment, including any administrative fee(s) based on the information provided and the applicable rules.
A screening review is the first level of review available under APS. If a person disagrees with a penalty notice, they may request a review by a Screening Officer. The Screening Officer may confirm, cancel or reduce the penalty, or extend the time for payment, including any administrative fee(s) based on the information provided and the applicable rules.
If you disagree with a Screening Officer’s decision, you may request a hearing review by a Hearing Officer. A Hearing Officer may confirm, cancel or reduce the penalty, or extend the time for payment, including any administrative fee(s) based on the information provided and the applicable rules.
The Hearing Officer reviews the facts-in-issue and the Screening Officer’s review and adjudicates their decision of the Penalty Notice.
If the Hearing Officer agrees with the screening officer’s decision, a designated ‘hearing decision upheld’ fee will be added to your total amount due.
A Hearing Officer’s decision is final.
No. APS eliminates the need for court appearances for designated minor by-law offences.
Yes. APS allows for escalating penalties for repeat violations to encourage compliance.
No. The court system will still be used for serious offences or situations involving persistent non-compliance.