Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)

The Town of Saugeen Shores has implemented an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to provide a fair, efficient, and streamlined approach to by-law enforcement. AMPS allows certain by-law violations to be addressed directly by the Town through the issuance of Penalty Notices, reducing the need for court proceedings under the Provincial Offences Act. This process provides a faster and more accessible method for resolving violations while ensuring accountability and compliance with municipal by-laws.

Paying a Penalty Notice

If you do not wish to dispute your Penalty Notice, you can make your payment using one of the following methods:

  1. Pay online
  2. In Person: Pay at the municipal office, located at 600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON, during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday). Payments can be made by cash, cheque, debit, Visa or Mastercard. 
  3. By Mail: Pay by mailing a cheque payable to the Town of Saugeen Shores. Your Penalty Notice number must be written on the front of the cheque. 

If the notice is not appealed and remains unpaid after 15 days, late payment fees will apply. 

Penalties and associated fees that remain unpaid may be added to the tax roll to be collected in the same manner as municipal taxes. 

Penalty Notice Options

If you receive a Penalty Notice, you have three options for how to proceed. 

  1. Pay the penalty: If you do not wish to dispute the Penalty Notice, you can pay the amount specified on the Penalty Notice using one of the methods listed on the Penalty Notice. 
  2. Request a Screening Review: If you wish to dispute the penalty because you believe it was issued in error, there were extenuating circumstances, or you are experiencing financial hardship, you can request a Screening Review to have the matter reviewed. 
  3. Request a Hearing Review: If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of the Screening Review, you can request an additional review by a Hearing Officer, who will make a final decision. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is a municipal process for enforcing certain by-laws through administrative penalties rather than the Provincial Offences Court system. The goal is to encourage compliance with designated by-laws in a fair, efficient, and timely manner.

Penalty notices are issued by either a Town of Saugeen Shores By-Law Enforcement Officer, Fire Chief, Chief Building Official, or Firefighter by:

  • Directly giving it to you at the time and place of the offence;
  • Delivery by registered mail to your last known address (Date of Issue to be deemed the 5th day following the post date of the registered mail);
  • Delivery by email to your last known email address (Date of Issue to be deemed immediate if sent before 4:30 p.m., or 8:00 a.m. the following day if sent after 4:30 p.m.).

If at any time you have any questions/concerns or require assistance regarding the AMP System Process, a Penalty Notice/ticket, please reach out to the Town by calling 519-832-2008 or by emailing administrativepenalties@saugeenshores.ca 

Option A:

You may choose to pay the Administrative Penalty and any applicable administrative fees identified on the Penalty Notice.

Payment must be received no later than 15 days from the date the Penalty Notice was served.

Payments may be made:

  1. Online through the payment portal
  2. In person at the Town of Saugeen Shores (600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin ON) during regular business hours by cash, debit, cheque, or other approved payment methods.
  3. By mail to the Town. Please do not send cash through the mail. Cheques should be made payable to the Town of Saugeen Shores.

Option B:

If you believe the Penalty Notice was issued in error, there were extenuating circumstances, or you are experiencing financial hardship, you may request a review by a Screening Officer. 

A request for a Screening Review must be received by the Town within 15 days of service of the Penalty Notice. To request a screening review, visit the online portal

 

Option C:

If you need additional time to pay an Administrative Penalty, you may request a payment extension. A Screening Officer may grant an extension after reviewing your circumstances. Please note that submitting a request does not automatically extend the payment deadline. Submitting a request can be done by visiting the online portal

 

AMPS applies to designated by-laws listed in Schedule B of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law. These currently include provisions of:

  • The Ontario Fire Code
  • The Clean Yards By-law
  • The Urban Tree Conservation By-law

Additional by-laws may be designated by Council from time to time.

You may request a Screening Review by:

  • Submitting the request by using the online portal
  • Booking a review by contacting the Town using the telephone number provided on the Penalty Notice; or
  • Attending the location identified on the Penalty Notice and submitting the required form in person.

The request must be made within 15 days of the Penalty Notice Date.

A Screening Officer will review the circumstances surrounding the Penalty Notice and may:

  • Affirm the penalty;
  • Cancel the penalty;
  • Reduce the penalty or applicable fees;
  • Extend the time for payment. 

The Screening Officer may consider whether:

  • The contravention occurred;
  • Reasonable steps were taken to prevent the contravention; or
  • Payment would cause undue hardship.

If you fail to attend a scheduled Screening Review:

  • Your request for review will be deemed abandoned;
  • A Screening Absence Fee may be added;
  • The Administrative Penalty will be affirmed and become payable.

Yes. You may request a Hearing Review before a Hearing Officer within 15 days of receiving the Screening Decision by submitting a request through the Town's online portal or by completing and submitting the required form at the Municipal Office.

If you fail to attend a scheduled Hearing Review:

  • Your request for a hearing will be deemed abandoned;
  • The Screening Decision will become final;
  • A Hearing Absence Fee may be charged.

No. Once an Administrative Penalty has been paid, there is no further right to appeal or request a review.

Yes. You may authorize a representative to act on your behalf during a Screening Review or Hearing Review.

The Town is committed to accessibility. Individuals requiring accommodation or support in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) are encouraged to contact the Town as soon as possible before their review.

Contact Us

Town of Saugeen Shores
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008
Toll Free 1-866-832-2008
Fax 519-832-2140