Municipal Law Enforcement and Security

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About Municipal Law Enforcement

In Ontario, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers (MLEOs) are responsible for enforcing local municipal standards. Some key responsibilities are:

  • By-law Enforcement
  • Parking Enforcement
  • Investigation and Reporting 
  • Public Education

The term of MLEO is sometimes used interchangeably with By-law Officer. Certification in Ontario is provided through the Municipal Law Enforcement Officers' Association of Ontario (MLEOA) which sets professional standards for the Province and provides training.

On this page you can find the following:

By-laws and Enforcement

In the City of Peterborough, a variety of by-laws are issued to keep our community safe and enjoyable for everyone. MLEO's work with property owners and members of the public to ensure that Municipal by-laws are understood and adhered to. 

To review our by-laws and learn how to submit a by-law complaint please review the information below.

By-law Complaints

The City of Peterborough investigates complaints related to municipal by-laws when the following criteria are met: 

  1. The complaint includes the address of the concern;
  2. Description of the concern; and
  3. The complainant provides their full name and contact information and understands anonymous complaints will not be investigated.

Options for Submitting a Complaint:

Service Peterborough - City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON  K9H 3R9

While personal information is protected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) should enforcement result in court proceedings, complainants personal information may be disclosed as part of the proceeding. 

Once received, your complaint will be reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (MLEO), or in some cases, the Peterborough Humane Society. Investigations typically begin within 3-5 business days, depending on call volume. 

Please note:

  • The MLES division receives a high volume of complaints on a daily basis. Responses to complainants are typically limited to when additional details may be required for an investigation.
  • The City does not provide status updates on open or closed investigations.

The City of Peterborough offers an after hours complaint phone line, for urgent municipal by-law concerns outside regular business hours.

Time-sensitive issues (such as Noise, Parking, Park and Facility Security concerns) will be responded to as soon as possible. 

Non-urgent concerns may be redirected to our online complaint form and followed up during regular business hours.

After-hours coverage:

  • Weekdays: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. 

  • Weekends: Friday 4:30 p.m. to Monday 8:30 a.m. 

  • Statutory holidays: Full-day coverage 

Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)

The City of Peterborough's Municipal Law Enforcement & Security team oversees the Administrative Monetary Penalty System or AMPS. 

The AMP system is designed to streamline the enforcement of, and increase compliance with, City of Peterborough by-laws. Under AMPS, Penalty Notice disputes are handled by the municipality through the use of Screening and Hearing Officers who are able to modify, cancel, or affirm penalties.

This approach is designed to reduce congestion in the courts and to provide a local, accessible and efficient dispute resolution system.

To read more about our AMPS program and/or pay or dispute an AMPS notice please visit our AMPS Page.

Types of By-laws

The Administrative Municipal Penalty System (AMPS) allows the Municipality to address by-law violations more efficiently and in a less formal environment than the Provincial Offences Court.

Anyone found in violation of a designated by-law will receive a Penalty Notice from a Municipal Officer and must pay an Administrative Penalty in the amount specified.

The AMPS By-law is applicable to various by-laws within the Municipality, including but not limited to:

  • Animal By-law
  • Parking By-law
  • Tree Removal By-law
  • Outdoor Patio Program By-law
  • Temporary Road Closure By-law
  • Waste Collection By-law

To read these by-laws in further detail, please continue to read the other sections below.

 

The Peterborough Humane Society provides the City of Peterborough with Animal Control Officers, an animal shelter, and an adoption centre.

For more information, please visit the City of Peterborough's Animal Services page or read the City of Peterborough's By-law.

Discharge of Firearms is not permitted within the City of Peterborough.

For further details and the list of exemptions please read our Discharge of Firearms By-law.

The Littering By-law regulates the disposal of waste and garbage within the City of Peterborough. 

To read more about our garbage, green bin and recycling program.

The Noise By-law helps ensure a peaceful environment within the City of Peterborough by regulating excessive noise.

The Outdoor Patio Program By-law regulates closure of sidewalks and roads for the City of Peterborough's outdoor patio program and licensing requirements. 

Apply for a required permit.

The Parking By-law regulates parking within the City of Peterborough. This includes, but not limited to:

  • Parking spaces and lots
  • Accessible parking 
  • Loading zones
  • Taxicab stands
  • Bus stops and school bus loading zones
  • Overnight on-street permit parking
  • Parking fines

The Property Standards By-law regulates the minimum property standards required of residents and businesses within the City of Peterborough.

The Public Nuisances By-law regulates any activities that would be deemed to be a nuisance. This applies to all persons, lands and properties within the City of Peterborough.

The Signs and Advertising Devices By-law regulates the constructing and erecting of signage and advertising devices within the City of Peterborough.

To apply for a sign permit.

Owners within the City of Peterborough with private swimming pools are required to erect and maintain fences and gates around the swimming pool. 

Please read the Swimming Pool and Enclosures By-law for the details on fence and gate requirements.

For the steps required when building a pool within the City of Peterborough.

The Temporary Road Closures By-law regulates when a road or highway can be closed for an event where a permit has been approved by the City of Peterborough.

To apply for Temporary Road Occupancy or Hosting a Special Event. 

The Tree Removal By-law is in place to protect and enhance the City of Peterborough's tree canopy.

To read more about the application process or apply for a permit. 

The Waste Collection By-law regulates the collection of garbage, organic waste, recyclable materials and yard waste in the City of Peterborough.

To read more about our garbage, green bin and recycling program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: My neighbour’s lawn is overgrown and full of junk – what can I do? 

Contact the City of Peterborough's Municipal Law Enforcement and Security Team. We look into complaints about messy yards, long grass and garbage under the Property Maintenance By-law.

Question: The property next to me looks abandoned. Can you inspect it?

Yes. We can inspect for violations such as broken windows, trash buildup, unsafe buildings or damage to the building under the Property Standards By-law.

Question: Are landlords required to maintain their rental units? 

Yes. Heat, water, pest control, and safe conditions are all minimum requirements under the Property Standards By-law. 

Question: Someone threatened me when I asked them to clean their property. What should I do?
Call the police if you feel unsafe. MLES is responsible for enforcing municipal standards, we are unable to assist with criminal matters. 

Personal disputes are covered under civil mediation/litigation.

Question: I want to replace a business sign on my building. Do I need a permit? 
Yes, most signs require a permit, even if you’re just replacing an old one. Direct sign inquiries to the City’s Sign Permit Page. 

Question: My neighbour is running a business from home. Is that allowed? 

It depends on the the type of business and how it is being operated. Home-based businesses are regulated through the City's zoning by-law. You can contact Planning Services or MLES if you have questions relating to a home-based business.

Question: There’s someone living in a tent in a city park – who do I call? 
Call MLES (705) 707-3969. We investigate all concerns related to tenting and refer to outreach and housing support teams, where appropriate. 

Question: Can I put a tent in a city park for a birthday party or event? 

Only if you have a permit. Tents and other structures are not allowed in parks without one. To read more about private parties on City property visit the Parks and Pavilions Page.

Question: My neighbours put their garbage out too early, and animals tear into it. Can you do anything?
Yes. Garbage should be kept in secure bins before it is set out for curbside collection, and the bags should only be set out for collection after 6 p.m. the night before pickup.

We enforce violations under the Waste By-law.

Question: What are the rules for compost and yard waste?
You can compost in your backyard if it’s kept tidy. Yard waste should not be dumped near fences, alleyways, or public areas.

There is more information about garbage and yard waste collection and disposal options on our Garbage and Green Bin pages.

Question: I got a parking ticket – can I dispute it?

Yes, visit our AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System) page, to find the details to request a screening review online or by phone.

Question: A car has been parked on my street for over a week. What can I do?

Call MLES (705) 707-3969. We can investigate for potential by-law violations, including abandoned vehicles. By-law to regulate parking.

Question: I’m putting up an above-ground pool – do I need a permit?
Yes. Any pool over 24 inches (60 cm) deep needs a fence and a permit from Building Services. 


Question: Is a pool ladder with a lock enough?
Only if the pool has an approved locking barrier that meets fence height and safety requirements. Chapter 591-Fences-Swimming Pools.

Question: Can I make a complaint anonymously?
Yes. Complainant information is confidential and protected under Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). In select cases, complainant information may be disclosed as part of a court proceeding. 

Question: I made a complaint but haven’t heard anything. Why?
We prioritize complaints based on health and safety concerns. 

MLES does not routinely follow-up with complainants. Typically complainants will see the results of the investigation through a change in the property. However, Some investigations take time. We follow legal steps like sending notices and doing re-inspections.

Not Municipal Law Enforcement and Security (MLES) Responsibilities

Below are some of the areas that the MLES team is not responsible for.

Civil Disputes (including property lines, neighbour disputes, tree branch or other private property encroachments)
File small claims court documents online | ontario.ca

Potholes or sidewalk repairs
Roads | City of Peterborough

Illegal dumping on public land
Garbage | City of Peterborough

Wildlife or dead animals
Animal Services | City of Peterborough
Otonabee Conservation

Crime or Threats
Report - Peterborough Police

Parking Machines, Parking Operations (705) 742-7777 ext. 2802#
Parking services in the City of Peterborough

Still Have Questions?

We are here to help!

Municipal Law Enforcement and Security (MLES)
City Hall, 500 George St. N.
(705) 707-3969
mles@peterborough.ca 

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except statutory holidays).

Contact Us

City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
Email Us

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