The Township is implementing the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to streamline and standardize how certain bylaw matters are managed, improving efficiency, consistency, and overall service delivery for residents. AMPS allows bylaw issues to be resolved locally through a more accessible and timely review process, reducing reliance on the court system while providing residents with a quicker and simpler way to address contraventions.
Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)
At its May 11, 2026, meeting, Ramara Council approved the use of an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to support the Township’s updated Parking Bylaw and to streamline enforcement processes across multiple bylaws beginning June 1, 2026.
What is AMPS?
AMPS stands for Administrative Monetary Penalty System. It is a municipally administered process used to address certain bylaw infractions through a local administrative review system instead of the traditional court process.
Frequently Asked Question
Understanding AMPS
Why is the Township using AMPS?
Who can receive a Penalty Notice?
Penalty Notices are issued to the individual responsible for a bylaw contravention.
The AMPS process applies to the following bylaws:
-
Parking Bylaw
-
Long Grass and Weeds Bylaw
-
Short-Term Rental Bylaw
-
Licensing Bylaw
-
Canine Control Bylaw
No. The Township has already been using AMPS for the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) and Long Grass and Weeds Bylaws for several years. The Township is now aligning and standardizing the process across multiple bylaws.
Which bylaws will use the AMPS process?
The AMPS process will apply to:
-
Parking Bylaw
-
Long Grass and Weeds Bylaw
-
Short-Term Rental Bylaw
-
Licensing Bylaw
-
Canine Control Bylaw
How is AMPS different from the court system?
Under AMPS, disputes related to monetary penalties are reviewed through an local administrative process instead of the Provincial Offences Court. This helps resolve matters more quickly and efficiently.
Payments and Fees
How do I pay a Penalty Notice?
You can pay:
Credit Card |
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Is there a reduced amount available for early payment of a Penalty Notice?
Eligible Penalty Notices include an Early Payment Amount that offers a reduced rate if payment is made within 15 days of receipt.
What happens if I don't pay on time?
A Late Payment Fee of $50.00 may be applied. Additional administrative fees may apply. The penalty may also be added to your property taxes or reported to the Ministry of Transportation, which can block vehicle permit renewal.
What other fees might I have to pay?
In addition to the penalty itself, the following fees may apply:
- No Show Fee: Screening- $100.00, Hearing- $200.00
- Late Payment Fee: $50.00
- MTO (Ontario Ministry of Transportation) Search Fee: $15.00
- MTO (Ontario Ministry of Transportation) Plate Denial Fee- $25.00
- NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) Fee: $45.00
- Corporate Profile Report Search- $8.00
Dispute and Appeals
Can I dispute a Penalty Notice?
Yes. You may request a Screening Review within 15 days of the Effective Date of Service.
What if I miss the deadine to request a Screening?
You may request an extension of time (up to 30 days after the deadline). If no extension is granted:
- The penalty is deemed affirmed
- You lose the right to dispute or appeal
- The penalty becomes a debt to the Township.
Can someone else represent me at a reviewing or hearing?
Yes. Authorized representatives (such as a lawyer, paralegal or family member) may act on your behalf. Complete the Authorization to Act as an Agent Form in advance and submit it to amps@ramara.ca.
Is the decision of a Hearing Officer final?
Yes. Once a Hearing Officer makes a decision it is final and binding.
How long does it take for a decision to be made?
Screening and Hearing Officers must issue decisions as soon as practicable after the review. You will primarily be notified through the email address that was used when you submitted your dispute or appeal. In certain cases, the Screening or Hearing Officer may also choose to send the decision by mail or courier.
What should I have with me or upload for screening or hearing review?
You will need to explain the reasons for disputing the penalty notice. While you are not required to provide evidence, please note that the screening or hearing officer can only make a decision based on the information presented to them. Submit copies of any documents that may assist as evidence.
This may include:
- Photographs
- Condominium letter/lease
- Accessible parking permit
- Medical note
- Death certificate
If you are in financial hardship and require additional time to pay, please upload documents to support this claim. Documents may include:
- Old Age Security
- Canada Pension
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Disability Pension
- Ontario Assistance Program
- Any other form of social assistance
Administrative Fees
| SERVICE/ITEM | FEE |
| Late Payment Fee | $50.00 |
| Screening Officer No Show Fee | $100.00 |
| Hearing Officer No Show Fee | $200.00 |
| MTO Plate Denial Fee | $25.00 |
| Corporate Profile Report Search | $8.00 |
| MTO Search Fee | $15.00 |
Disclaimer: AMPS fees are subject to Harmonized Sales Tax (H.S.T.) where applicable. The latest fee amounts can be found in Schedule "B" of Administrative Monetary Penalty By-law #2026.25
Policies
The following policies are currently being finalized for the implementation date of June 1, 2026, and will be posted on this webpage as soon as they are available.
- AMPS Complaint Policy
- AMPS Conflict of Interest Policy
- AMPS Financial Management Policy
- AMPS Undue Hardship Policy
- AMPS Political Interference Policy
- AMPS Screening and Hearing Officer Policy
Have question? Contact us directly.
Email:
Phone:
705-484-5374 ext 292
In person:
Visit administration building located at 2297 Highway 12, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ( excluding statutory holidays)
Contact Us
Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0
T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca
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