A court has fined an illegal truck terminal in Halton Hills, Ont. a total of $69,000 as well as issued an order prohibiting the continuation of the illegal use and requiring the property to be restored.
The town, located in the northwestern end of the Greater Toronto Area, was successful in prosecuting the operation on Winston Churchill Boulevard, according to a news release.
One Value Limited, together with two of its directors, were each convicted of one zoning charge (illegal use) and three site alteration charges; two for failing to obtain a site alteration permit and one for failing to comply with a site alteration order.
A prohibition order was also issued by the court. A prohibition order under the Provincial Offences Act in Ontario is a court-ordered restriction that prohibits an individual or entity from engaging in specific activities related to the offence they were convicted of. It is typically issued to prevent further harm, protect the public, or ensure compliance with provincial regulations. In the case of an illegal site alteration, it can also require restoration of the property.
Hundreds of illegally parked trucks
“Our valued farmland must not be destroyed by illegal truck terminals,” mayor Ann Lawlor, said in the release.
The town said that it has been vigilant in enforcing By-law 2010-0050, noting that truck depots are housing hundreds of illegally parked trucks that when in use, add to traffic congestion, negatively impact farmland and threaten safety given the size and mobility of these tractor trailers.
“We have a zoning by-law in place that prohibits storing or parking commercial motor vehicles on residential and agricultural properties. We currently have over 50 properties in Halton Hills with illegal land use violations including illegal truck depots,” said Susie Spry, manager of enforcement services, adding, “The offences are primarily along Steeles Avenue.”
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