Get to know the new AMPS policy

On February 1, 2022, council passed a bylaw initiating the use of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) in Marmora and Lake.

What is AMPS?

The Administrative Monetary Penalties System (AMPS) is an emerging approach to dealing with minor bylaw infractions in a manner that is fair, effective and efficient. The Penalty Notice is issued by a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer to an individual when they have committed a bylaw infraction. A Penalty Notice is the same as a “ticket” except that it requires payment of a penalty instead of a fine.

AMPS transfers bylaw disputes from the courtroom to the municipality through the use of a Screening and a Hearing Officer. The Screening and Hearing Officer is able to modify, cancel, or affirm penalties. This approach aids in reducing congestion in the courts as well as providing a more local and accessible dispute resolution system for the public.

Penalty Notices issued under AMPS does not cost more than traditional fines. However, in certain cases, additional administrative fees may be applied to the original penalty amount. For instance, additional administrative fees are applied to late payments, the failure to attend a scheduled review with a Screening or Hearing Officer, and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) searches.

The AMPS applies to the following bylaws:

  • 2001-33 Property Standards

  • 2012-41 Use of Travel Trailers on Lands in the Municipality of Marmora and Lake

  • 2011-36 Regulating Open Air Fires, Incinerator Fires, and Outdoor Fires

  • 2022-09 Noise and Fireworks

  • 2011-47 Regulate the Erection of Signs, Billboards, Posters and Other Advertising Devices

  • 2012-18 Regulating the Keeping of Dogs

  • 2002-13 Regulate Parking

How to report a bylaw infraction:

You can report a bylaw infraction by filling out the Request For Service form.

What to do if you receive a penalty notice:

A person has 15 days from the day they receive the penalty notice to choose one of these options.

Option 1: Plea of Guilty

Voluntary payment of total payable by mail or in person.

Option 2: Make a request, within Meet with a Screening Officer.

The accused or their legal representation and any witnesses may meet with a Screening Officer in person at the Marmora and Lake Municipal Office. If the accused lives more than 50 km from the Marmora and Lake Municipal Office or has any other extenuating circumstances for why they cannot attend in person, they may also meet with the Screening Officer by telephone.

If the accused is not satisfied with the Screening Officer's decision, the accused or their legal representation may request a meeting with the Hearing Officer in person at the Screening Review or in writing by mail to the Bylaw Enforcement Department before the due and payable date given by the Screening Officer. The Hearing Officer's decision is final.

Jennifer Bennett