Illegal waste dumping fines are likely going to increase significantly in The Nation Municipality. The current maximum fine is just $150.
At the September 22 council meeting, Ward 1 Councillor Tim Stewart read a letter from a local farmer explaining he had found an entire trailer load of asphalt shingles and nails dumped on a farm lane.
The farmer called the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) but was told it was outside of their responsibility. The farmer then called a municipal by-law enforcement officer who said that because the waste had been dumped on private property, the municipality is not responsible for cleaning up.
The farmer paid two of his employees to clean up the waste, which took four hours. The municipality waived the fees at the landfill site.
While the waste was being cleaned up, a document was found in it that potentially identified who had dumped the waste. The by-law enforcement officer was again notified and attempted to issue a fine, but the maximum fine that could be issued is $150.
“We wouldn’t even cover the cost of by-law (enforcement) for $150,” Stewart said.
He said there were other examples of illegal waste dumping around Fournier during the summer, and the same issue existed with the $150 maximum fine.
“I find it infuriating when people dump garbage on the side of the road, even if it’s a cup,” Stewart remarked.
He said the fine should be increased significantly.
By-Law Enforcement Director Guylain Laflèche acknowledged the $150 maximum fine is low and outdated.
“This bylaw is something we’re definitely going to look into,” Laflèche said.
Mayor Francis Brière said a much higher fine could be a good deterrent to people from dumping waste illegally.
“I think it’s worth revising for sure.”
A report recommending increases in illegal waste dumping fines in The Nation will be presented to council for consideration at a future meeting.
