The A.M.P. system is used in many municipalities, the province, the federal government, and other jurisdictions worldwide. In Ontario, municipal A.M.P.s are legislated under the Municipal Act, 2001. This system helps the over-burdened courts by streamlining the process and allowing municipalities to handle minor by-law infractions.
Bylaws
Cobourg's Municipal By-laws
If you are having difficulty locating a By-law, need a By-law in a different format for Accessibility or want more information about Town of Cobourg By-laws, please contact the By-law Enforcement Department at 905-372-8380.
Municipal Law Enforcement
The Town of Cobourg Municipal Law Enforcement Staff and Officers are responsible for enforcement of all Municipal By-laws to ensure a safe quiet and pleasant environment for all residents and visitors.
Our objectives are:
- To increase public awareness of the Municipal By-laws that exist in your home, yard, street, neighbourhood and park.
- To inform residents of Municipal By-laws.
- To achieve compliance with Municipal By-laws through education and notification in order to preserve the quality of life in the Town of Cobourg.
Submit a Property Standards Complaint or By-law Infraction
Use the form linked below to submit complaints regarding Animal, Property Standards. Zoning, and Parking or visit the Municipal Law Enforcement office at the Market Building, 201 Second Street.
The Town of Cobourg Parking By-law and Regulations are enforced 24/7. If you are looking for information on parking, please visit the Parking Page.
For Immediate Assistance
If immediate assistance is required outside of business hours, contact the Cobourg Police Services at 905-372-6821. The Cobourg Police Service responds to calls on a priority basis and response times for bylaw related concerns may be delayed.
In case of an emergency call 911.
About the Administrative Monetary Penalty (A.M.P.) System
The Administrative Monetary Penalty (A.M.P.) system is a fast and flexible process for payment, appeal and collection of minor by-law infractions. This approach is used by many municipalities, the province and the federal government and is designed to streamline the enforcement process and increase compliance with Town of Cobourg by-laws.
A.M.P. enforcement transfers by-law disputes from the courtroom to the municipality using Screening and Hearings Officers who can modify, cancel, or affirm penalties. This approach helps reduce congestion in the courts and provides a local and accessible dispute resolution system.
Enforcement
Town of Cobourg Municipal Law Enforcement Officers can issue a Penalty Notice through the following methods:
- In person
- Through registered or regular mail to the individual's last known address
- On vehicle
- By email to the individual's last known email address
- By facsimile (fax) to the individual's last known facsimile transmission number
Note: Parking-related Penalty Notices are generally issued by attaching the notice to the vehicle or serving the notice directly to the operator; however, they may also be issued through any methods noted above.
Administrative fees
Penalty Notices issued under the A.M.P. system do not cost more than traditional fines. However, in certain cases, additional administrative fees may be applied to the original penalty amount such as:
Fees
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Transportation search | $10 |
| Late payment | $15 |
| Notification to Registrar of Motor Vehicles for plate permit denial | $22 |
| Failure to attend screening | $50 |
| Failure to attend hearing | $100 |
A Penalty Notice is similar to a "ticket" except it requires payment of a penalty instead of a fine. A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer issues the Penalty Notice to an individual or corporation when they have committed a by-law infraction.
FAQ's
Why did the Town move to the A.M.P. system?
How is the A.M.P system more effective?
Resolving minor by-law infractions such as parking matters could take months in the busy court system. The A.M.P. system helps speed up the process by resolving minor by-law infraction matters in weeks while maintaining an individual's right to request a review of their Penalty Notice.
The A.M.P. system is more effective because:
Community members can resolve by-law infraction matters in a convenient and friendly environment
- The Town is more capable of dealing with minor by-law infractions in a timely manner
- Community members may request an extension of time in which to request a review by a Screening or Hearings Officer
- Community members may request an extension of time to pay a fine from a Screening or Hearings Officer
- It reduces congestion in provincial courts
- Better use of court time and other resources for more serious matters
Does the A.M.P system apply to all by-law infractions?
Parking infractions have been the first to be transitioned to the A.M.P system however non-parking by-law infractions will also be added to the system.
Can I make a suggestion to improve the A.M.P system?
Yes. The Town is committed to continuous improvement and suggestions for enhancing the administrative processes of the A.M.P. system. Submit the suggestion in writing to the Town of Cobourg. Examples of administrative processes include:
- Which individuals are authorized to request an appeal
- Suggestions on other formats to request or submit an appeal
- More time to dispute a penalty notice
Please note:
- Suggestions about the administrative processes for the A.M.P. system have no impact on existing fines.
- Individuals interested in disputing their penalty notice must do so through the Town's Screening/Hearings process.
If you are looking for information on Municipal Bylaws and Provincial Offences, you can find more information by clicking the button below.
Municipal By-laws
Contact Us
Town of Cobourg
55 King Street West
Cobourg, ON K9A 2M2
Phone: 905-372-4301
Toll Free: 1-888-972-4301
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