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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: June 2, 2025 Report Number: LGS-021-25
Authored By: Kristina Bergeron, Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement
Submitted By: Rob Maciver, Deputy CAO/Solicitor, Legislative Services
Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO
By-law Number: Resolution Number:
File Number:
Report Subject: Proposed Structured Review of Regulatory By-laws
Recommendations:
1.That Report LGS-021-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
2. That Committee endorse the proposed sequence of By-law reviews contained in
Report LGS-021-25; and
3.That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-021-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
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Report Overview
Municipal staff are seeking Council’s direction and support to implement a structured review
of current regulatory by-laws. The goal is to evaluate and update existing regulations
systematically, ensuring they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with community needs.
1. Background
Need for Review
1.1 There is a continuous need to review the regulatory by-laws that define the
Municipality's structure and image. This process ensures compliance with legislative
requirements and promotes enforcement practices that align with the Municipality's
framework, objectives, Strategic Plan, and other priorities.
1.2 In recent years, comprehensive revisions have been made to the Clean and Clear By-
law 2019-047, Vehicles-for-Hire By-law 2019-069 (formerly the Taxi By-law), Public
Spaces By-law 2024-009 (formerly the Parks By-law), and the Site Alteration By-law
2024-017. In addition, several other regulatory by-laws have been amended on an ad
hoc basis according to Council direction (e.g. Property Standards By-law, Traffic By-
law, Exotic Animal By-law).
1.3 By adopting a proactive approach, we can systematically assess regulatory by-laws,
anticipate potential concerns, and implement well-planned updates, ensuring
regulations remain effective, clear, and aligned with long-term objectives
1.4 Creating a structured process for reviewing by-laws ensures that municipal regulations
are current and aligned with evolving legislative requirements, reducing the risk of
compliance gaps arising from outdated or misaligned regulations. By systematically
evaluating and updating by-laws, the municipality can maintain clarity, consistency, and
legal adherence.
1.5 Without a structured review process, by-law updates tend to be reactive, driven by
immediate concerns rather than strategic planning. This approach can result in
inefficiencies and unnecessary disruptions. For instance, a sudden increase in
complaints from a specific group might trigger a prompt by-law revision, diverting
resources from broader, more impactful regulatory updates. A structured review
ensures that updates are thorough, well-informed, and aligned with long-term priorities,
rather than being dictated by isolated, short-term demands.
1.6 A structured review process would also provide for a robust public engagement
component that is essential for successful municipal regulatory activity.
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2. Proposed Review Approach
Rationale for Prioritization
2.1 Due to the complexity and scope of municipal by-laws, staff propose reviewing one (1)
to two (2) by-laws per year, based on their impact and priority. This approach will allow
for thorough examination while maintaining operational efficiency. A prioritized
sequence has been established to guide the review process.
2.2 The prioritized list reflects regulatory areas requiring timely updates. Reviewing these
By-laws sequentially will help prevent unforeseen compliance issues and expedite
necessary improvements.
2.3 The priority sequence may be adjusted if there is a change in governing legislation that
creates an urgent need, or where the addition of a new regulation is necessary, for
example, the addition of a Vulnerable Spaces By-law.
2.4 Staff from Municipal Law Enforcement, Legal, and Planning and Infrastructure have
conducted a preliminary review and request Council’s endorsement of the following
priority sequence for review:
1. Boulevard By-law 2013-066
2.5 At a meeting of Council held on March 25, 2024, direction was provided through
resolution # C-33-24, that Staff report back on potential amendments to the Boulevard
By-law as it relates to Parking on Clarington Streets.
2.6 It is necessary to consult with Public Works and Planning and Infrastructure staff, as
well as external stakeholders such as the various utility companies through public
engagement.
2.7 The Boulevard By-law 2013-066 was last revised October 18, 2021, and is the first
prioritized By-law for review.
2. Election Sign By-law 2016-004
2.8 Revisions and updates are required in preparation of upcoming Municipal Election to
be held in 2026.
2.9 The election Sign By-law was last revised October 18, 2021.
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3. Noise By-law 2007-071
2.10 At the General Government Committee meeting held on March 4, 2024, Council
approved a motion that resulted in resolution #GG-013-24, directing Staff to review
both the Kennel By-law 2013-025 and Noise By-law 2007-071, and report back on
findings as it relates to noise impacting neighbouring properties.
2.11 While the immediate concerns giving rise to the resolution were resolved within the
existing by-law framework, a comprehensive review of the Noise By-law would be
beneficial.
2.12 Noise is among the most common concerns raised by residents. Establishing an
effective tool to address community disturbances is essential for maintaining a peaceful
environment for residents.
2.13 The Noise By-law was last revised on March 12, 2012.
4. Refreshment Vehicle By-law 2015-016
2.14 Efforts to streamline and increase efficiencies of our special events process for vendors
and staff, a survey of neighbouring Municipalities will be compiled to assist with
creating a more user friendly and consistent approach for food vendors.
2.15 This By-law has never been reviewed or revised since adoption in 2015.
5. Fence By-law 2000-015
2.16 The Fence By-law came into force 25 years ago. Timely updates are required including
Work Orders/Remedial Action to address non-compliance and swimming pool
enclosure safety.
6. Exotic Animals 2012-045
2.17 Public interest in updating bee keeping regulations.
7. Property Standards 2007-070
2.18 Property Standards concerns are a top priority in the community. Regular review of the
established community standards should be at the forefront to ensure appropriate
standards are in place to maintain standards and protect the health, safety and
wellbeing of residents.
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8. Snow and Ice Removal By-law 93-144
2.19 The Snow and Ice Removal By-law has been in place for over 30 years. While
amendments have kept its provisions up to date, a comprehensive review would be
beneficial, particularly to address fire hydrant clearing and updates to work order
regulations.
9. Kennel By-law 2013-025
2.20 At the General Government Committee meeting held on March 4, 2024, Council
approved a motion that resulted in resolution #GG-013-24, directing Staff to review
both the Kennel By-law 2013-025 and Noise By-law 2007-071, and report back on
findings as it relates to noise impacting neighbouring properties.
2.21 While the immediate concerns giving rise to the resolution were resolved within the
existing by-law framework, a comprehensive review of the Kennel By-law would be
beneficial.
Benefits of a Structured Review
2.22 A structured review prevents regulatory gaps and compliance risk. It ensures
consistency in enforcement and public awareness and provides transparency and
clarity on the review process.
2.23 It reduces last-minute disruptions and reactive decision-making. By establishing a
structured review process, staff can focus on planned priorities without being diverted
by unexpected requests. This approach fosters efficiency and ensures that regulatory
updates align with broader municipal objectives, helping staff stay on task and
accomplish work plan goals effectively.
3. Financial Considerations
3.1 Not Applicable.
4. Strategic Plan
4.1 The endorsement of the proposed sequence of By-law reviews aligns with Clarington’s
Strategic Plan 2024-27 by supporting effective governance and responsible growth
management. This initiative reflects the municipality’s commitment to efficient service
delivery, public engagement, and modernized regulatory frameworks.
4.2 By establishing a structured approach to By-law reviews, Council ensures that
regulatory updates are conducted in a transparent, orderly, and strategic manner,
reinforcing Clarington’s vision of a connected, dynamic, and welcoming community.
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Furthermore, incorporating subsequent reviews, revisions, or amendments into the
established sequence promotes consistency, operational efficiency, and
responsiveness to evolving community needs.
5. Climate Change
Not Applicable.
6. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
7. Conclusion
It is respectfully recommended that Committee endorse the proposed sequence of By-
law reviews. Further that, any subsequent required regulatory By-law reviews, revisions,
or Amendments not outlined will be incorporated into the order of the established
sequence.
Staff Contact: Kristina Bergeron, Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement,
kbergeron2@clarington.net.
Attachments:
Not Applicable
Interested Parties:
Tony Ricciardi, Manager of Construction and Inspections
Brett Novak, Manager of Roads