Law Enforcement – Who to Contact
Contacting the OPP
FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, DIAL 9-1-1
You can also reach the OPP by calling 1 888 310-1122 (toll-free in Ontario). The Provincial Communications Centres operate 24/7, answering non-emergency calls for service.
Many less serious incidents can be reported online
The By-Law Department can be reached by calling 519-534-1400 Ext 123.
The By-Law Enforcement Officer enforces the majority of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula by-laws. By-Laws are local regulations passed by Council under Provincial legislation such as the Municipal Act, Building Code Act and Planning Act.
What Should You Expect When You Make a Complaint
Typically, phone calls and emails from residents inform us of concerns or nuisances. When we receive a complaint, we assess the situation and information received to determine if there is a by-law violation.
In most cases, the By-Law Enforcement Officer takes an "education first" approach to compliance. This means that we advise the violator about the provisions in the particular by-law and seek voluntary compliance. Education and communication are how we begin.
After making a complaint, due to privacy legislation, please do not expect that you will be given any information with regard to any ongoing investigation. Privacy breaches are taken seriously by the Province's Information and Privacy Commissioner and by the Town. We are not able to tell you if charges are being or have been laid, what has been said to individuals involved in an investigation, what is contained in our notes or on file regarding any investigation or any other type of information which could be considered a breach of privacy.
What the Town Will Not Investigate
The Town will not investigate nor become involved in matters such as:
- property line locations or disputes
- land ownership disputes
- snow removal or snow storage on private property
- security cameras on private property
- trees on private property
- matters that are "civil" in nature, meaning that they are between property owners
- matters where another agency is involved or investigating
- matters where there is pending or ongoing litigation
- matters where a solicitor or paralegal have been involved
- matters which can be referred to another agency (ie. landlord/tenant disputes)
- matters where there is no Town by-law to address the matter
- anonymous complaints
It is possible that complaints cannot or will not be investigated. Staff will inform you if your concerns are able to be investigated.
Property Standards Complaints
Property standards complaints must be made in writing and must be signed by the person making the complaint. Please refer to our Property Standards page for more information.
Short Term Rental Accommodations (STRA’s)
Call 1-800-890-9352 for 24/7 nuisance issues related to cottage rentals in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula. Please call when the nuisance is occurring. Nuisance issues include noise and occupancy related to people renting short term. More information on the STRA program can be found on the Town’s website Short Term Accommodation - South Bruce Peninsula
For assistance with Zoning By-Law Enforcement, please contact our Chief Building Official.
Please note that by-law set fines are subject to change and may not be as listed with by-laws.
| Animal Services |
| For information on the animal services we provide, view our animal services page. |
| Tents and Trailers |
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With the exception of the two instances below, you cannot occupy a tent or trailer on your property. You can occupy a tent or trailer in an approved campground (zoned to be a campground). You can occupy a trailer if you have a license issued by the Town. A license is only issued for the occupation of a trailer while you are actively building a new house - timelines for occupation are prescribed. You must have a current and valid building permit for the new house. Fees and deposits are required to occupy the trailer. Our Tent and Trailer By-Law and its amendment explain the rules. |
| Sauble Beach By-Law |
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The Sauble Beach By-Law regulates when dogs can be on the Beach and bans things like alcohol, cooking and warming devices, vehicles of any kind, animals, camping, fires, offering items for sale and tents. Dogs are banned from being on the beach between June 1 and Labour Day each year. Service animals are permitted. You must have with you, the paperwork from an approved health care provider and show the paperwork to By-Law Enforcement Officers. |
| Parking Enforcement |
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By-law enforcement officers are enforcing the Traffic and Paid Parking By-Laws at Sauble Beach. Please be sure that you angle park where required, do not park in loading zones, fire routes, no parking areas and accessible parking spaces unless you have a valid assessible vehicle notice on display. Also be aware of parking spaces where there is a time limit for parking. Please ensure that you pay for parking in the paid parking areas.
Paid Parking is in effect from June 1 to Labour Day, inclusive. The hours when you are required to pay to park are 8am-5pm. |
| Paid Parking Areas |
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You will be required to pay for parking at Sauble Beach anywhere that Paid Parking is identified - please watch for signage. |
| Motorcycle Parking Area |
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A designated motorcycle parking area has been established between First Street North and Paisley Lane along Lakeshore Blvd N. Please be sure to park within the designated and marked spaces. Paid Parking fees apply. |
