What are the rules on junk, derelict cars, and unsightly property?
In the City of Owen Sound, Ontario, property maintenance rules are set by Conditions Hazardous to Children By-law No. 1953-1825 and 4 other bylaws, verified 2026-10-18. Enforcement: Offence; liable to a fine of not more than $2,000.00 exclusive of costs, recoverable under the Provincial Offences Act.
Conditions Hazardous to Children By-law No. 1953-1825
adopted bylaw
standards
Child-accessible ice boxes, refrigerators or similar appliances not used for manufactured purpose or abandoned/discarded, with air-tight doors not easily opened from inside without removal or other precautions.
s. 1
enforcement
Offence; liable to a fine of not more than $2,000.00 exclusive of costs, recoverable under the Provincial Offences Act.
s. 2
scout note
Prohibits maintaining derelict vehicles, iceboxes, excavations or other conditions on property that are hazardous to children.
Heat By-law No. 2007-121
adopted bylaw
standards
Landlord-heated rented dwellings must provide adequate/suitable heat Sept 15–May 31: min 21°C/70°F and safe, compliant source; no obstructing inspection.
s. 3.1; s. 3.3
enforcement
Enforced by City Enforcing Officers; contravention is an offence subject to Provincial Offences Act penalty; CBO may inspect on tenant's written request.
s. 5.1; s. 4.1; s. 3.2
scout note
Requires owners/landlords of rented residential premises to maintain minimum indoor heating temperatures during the heating season.
No person shall maintain, occupy, use, rent, or offer any residential, non-residential, or vacant property that does not comply with Parts 2-4.
s. 1.8.1; s. 1.9.1
enforcement
Officer may make an order; if repairs or clearance are not carried out within the time specified, the municipality may carry out the repair or clearance at the owner's expense.
s. 1.5.2(c)
scout note
Sets minimum maintenance and occupancy standards for properties/buildings in Owen Sound and empowers by-law enforcement to order repairs or clean-up of unsightly premises.
Unsafe building/yard from failure to guard against fire or dangerous risk; unfenced excavation; collapsing/collapsed building; unenclosed disused machinery; other unsafe circumstances.
s. 3.1; s. 3.2.1–3.2.4
enforcement
Enforcing Officer shall issue written Order to remedy immediately; if unsafe 10 days after registered mailing, City may remedy and charge cost to owner; unpaid costs recoverable as taxes.
s. 3.3; s. 3.5
scout note
Requires owners to guard against fire hazards in buildings and yards and addresses unsafe property conditions.
Hazards, Waste Material, animal waste, noxious weeds, pests, uncapped wells, well caps not in Good Repair prohibited; ground cover over 15 centimeters (6 inches) from June 1; obstructing hedges/shrubs/trees prohibited.
ss. 7-10, 13-18
enforcement
Work order may be issued; if non-compliant, City may bring property into compliance at owner's expense and collect costs as taxes.
ss. 19, 25-26
scout note
Requires owners to keep yards free of long grass/weeds, refuse and debris; sets City authority to cut/clean and charge back costs.