By-Law Enforcement

Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS) are financial penalties that can be imposed on individuals or entities for by-law infractions. AMPS are used as an alternative to the judicial system, providing a more efficient way to enforce By-laws.

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) transfers By-law disputes from the courtroom to the Township using Screening and Hearing Officers who can modify, cancel, or confirm penalties. This approach aides in reducing congestion in the courts as well as providing a more local and accessible dispute resolution system in a manner that is fair, effective, and efficient.

A Penalty Notice is an official document issued by the Township when a By-law infraction is identified. The notice includes details of the alleged violation, specifies the amount of the monetary penalty, and provides instructions on how to pay or dispute the Notice.

Penalty Notices are issued by employees appointed as Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officers when they observe or become aware of a designated By-law infraction. Notices can be delivered by mail, in person, or electronically, and include all relevant details regarding the violation and the penalty amount.

Screening Officers are impartial Township employees who are appointed to provide exceptional customer service that promotes compliance with rules and regulations when screening (reviewing) and resolving disputes. A Screening Officer cannot be the same individual who issued the Penalty Notice.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Screening Review, you can request a Hearing Review as a final appeal. A Hearing Review is a formal process where additional information/evidence can be presented. You can submit a Hearing Review Request (link to form) after the Screening Review or before the payment due date specified on the Penalty Notice. If an extension was granted by the Screening Officer, you must submit the request before the extended deadline.

The Hearing Officer is a key role within the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), responsible for reviewing decisions made by the Screening Officer regarding designated By-law infractions. They conduct hearings in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedures Act ensuring fair treatment and due process for all parties. Hearing Officers have the authority to make final and binding decisions on whether to confirm, vary or cancel the penalty amounts and/or time to pay the penalty notice.

No. You must go through the Screening process prior to requesting a Hearing.

Screening reviews are informal and may be conducted electronically (phone or video platform) or in person at the Municipal office with a Screening Officer. A Screening Officer can make decisions on whether to confirm, vary or cancel the penalty amounts and/or time to pay the penalty notice. If an individual disagrees with the decision of a screening officer they may request a hearing of their matter. A hearing is only available after a screening has been conducted.

Screenings and Hearings are scheduled on specific dates, and you will receive advance notice of your scheduled date, time, from the Township office. 

You may authorize someone to act and appear on your behalf at a Screening or Hearing Review. You are required to identify the authorized representative and acknowledge that you are ultimately responsible for paying the penalty and any associated administrative costs.

If you fail to appear for a screening or hearing review you will be required to pay a non-appearance administrative fee in addition to the penalty amount and any other administrative fees. You will also forfeit your right to be heard, and the administrative penalty will not be subject to any further review.

A Penalty Notice cannot be disputed once it has been paid. If a request for a Screening or Hearing Review has already been submitted, the request will be canceled upon receipt of payment.

An additional late payment fee of $25.00 will be added to the original penalty.

The Township of Hamilton:

1. May for any contravention respecting the parking, standing or stopping of vehicles, notify the Ontario Ministry of Transportation or the Ministry of the Attorney General (the “Ministry”) of the default after sixty (60) days, at which time the Ministry shall not validate the permit of the person named in the notice of default nor issue a new permit to the person until the Administrative Penalty and any applicable Administrative Fees for contraventions are paid to the Township (ask about this); and/or
   
   
2. Shall add the amount to the tax roll of the property to which all of the owners are responsible for paying the Administrative Penalty and collect it in the same manner as municipal taxes.

The Township shall add the amount to the tax roll of the property to which all of the owners are responsible for paying the Administrative Penalty and collect it in the same manner as municipal taxes.