FAQs
- reflecting current best practices and efficiencies
- reducing cumbersome wording and improve ability to interpret the intent of the By-Law
- Consolidation of a number of amendments since 1991
- adding clarity and an effective set schedule of fines for better enforcement
- providing the ability to recover costs for continued non-conformance
- improving protection measures for our infrastructure and residents health and safety.
- Verbal or written warning or notice of by-law violation, depending on the severity of circumstance;
- Written orders directing action(s) to be taken;
- Municipal Ticketing with fines;
- Cost recovery - the City will take action to remediate the contravention that has not been addressed and the cost will be directed to the property owner via the tax roll;
- Charges; which will include time in a court of law.
Why is the City of Sarnia Updating its Streets By-Law
The City’s current Streets Bylaw was passed in 1991 and is now 30 years old. It requires updating to apply current knowledge and best practice for effective enforcement and interpretations. Updating the bylaw is a proactive and fiscally responsible initiative to safeguard City infrastructure, public health, property, now and into the future.
What do the key changes emphasize?
Who does the Streets By-Law regulate?
The proposed Streets By-Law regulates all users: residential, industrial, commercial and institutional, as well as outlining maintenance requirements for both users and the authority (City)
How will the Streets By-Law be enforced?
The proposed Streets By-Law allows for a stepped enforcement approach, beginning with education, and may included further steps as necessary:
Who will enforce the Streets By-Law
The Streets By-Law will be enforced under the direction of the City's General Manager of Engineering and Operations for permitting and notification purposes. The City's By-Law Enforcement Department will provide backup enforcement where necessary in the event of non-compliance.
Are there repeals to any current City of Sarnia By-Laws?
REPEALS
1. By-Law 145 of 1991 “Streets By-Law” shall be repealed on the date this By-Law comes into force and effect.
2. By-Law 55 of 1994 “Amend By-Law #145 of 1991 - Streets By-Law” shall be repealed on the date this By-Law comes into force and effect
3. By-Law 146 of 1995 “Amend By-Law #145 of 1991 - Streets By-Law” shall be repealed on the date this By-Law comes into force and effect
4. By-Law 14 of 2006 “ Streets By-Law - Amend 145 of 1991” shall be repealed on the date this By-Law comes into force and effect
5. By-Law 137 of 2018 “Amend By-Law 145 of 1991 - Streets By-Law - Winter Maintenance on Sidewalks” shall be repealed on the date this By-Law comes into force and effect
6. By-Law 144 of 2019 “Amend By-Law Number 145 of 1991 Re: Streets By-Law - Winter Maintenance on Siewalks” shall be repealed on the date this By-Law comes into force and effect