Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS)

What is AMPS?

• AMPS is an option for municipalities in Ontario that involves the issuance of penalty notices that do not involve the provincial court system
• It uses a compliance-based approach, not criminal in nature
• Penalty notices can be issued for parking offences and non-parking offences (Example: Clean Yards By-law, Noise By-law, and etc.)
• It improves safety and compliance in the community

Background

• On September 15, 2025, Town staff brought forward a report outlining AMPS to the Corporate Services Standing Committee meeting along with a draft AMPS By-law, Town Council approved the By-law on September 22, 2025
• Town staff are currently in the process of initiating the implementation plan to educate on AMPS within the Town of Grimsby.

Town By-laws under AMPS

• Animal Care and Control By-law
• Backflow Prevention By-law
• Clean Yards By-law
• Discharge of Firearms and Bows By-law
• Fireworks By-law
• Idling Control By-law
• Municipal Parks By-law
• Noise By-law
• Open Air Fires By-law
• Private Property Parking By-law
• Property Standards By-law
• Public Nuisance By-law
• Public Tree By-law
• Sign By-law
• Site Alteration By-law
• Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law

Disputing a Penalty Notice

• If an individual receives a penalty notice under AMPS, the individual has the option of paying the penalty or disputing a penalty notice by requesting a review by a Screening Officer
• If an individual disagrees with the screening decision, they have the opportunity to appeal the matter to a third party Hearing Officer
• The Hearing Officers decision is final and binding

If you wish to review how to dispute or pay a penalty notice, please visit our Penalty Notice Options page on the Town of Grimsby website