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unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
WHAT IS A LICENSING BY-LAW?
This is an effective and flexible tool under the Municipal
Act that oversees businesses. A Licensing By-Law can
require specific businesses to receive a license, conduct
ongoing monitoring of their operations, and include
conditions that must be followed with the issued license.
This type of by-law grants the Township the ability to
monitor property changes over time and address
operating dates, while providing a mechanism to ensure
that other by-laws are adhered to as well.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CAMPGROUNDS?
The Township is considering introducing a Licensing By-
Law to regulate Tourist Campgrounds in the Township of
Rideau Lakes. This by-law, either on its own or alongside
site plan control, allows the municipality to gather yearly
information about how these businesses are structured
and where essential features, like sanitation facilities,
water services, and waste management, are located.
Having this information is helpful for emergency services
responding to calls. Moreover, it ensures compliance with
local by-laws and government regulations, guaranteeing
that on-site services are maintained in accordance with
the law.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
1439 County Rd 8
Delta, ON K0E 1G0
1.800.928.2250
https://www.rideaulakes.ca/
PROPOSED CAMPGROUND LICENSING BY-LAW
YOUR CONCERNS AND
IDEAS MATTER!
The Township is eager
to hear your opinions
and suggestions on the
proposed
components
of
a
Campground
Licensing By-Law. The
Township
understands
that
consultation with the public, and
specifically
with
campground
operators, is a crucial aspect to the
successful implementation of this by-
law.
Make sure to provide
your concerns, questions,
or suggestions to staff by
contacting:
[email protected]
613-928-2251 ext. 287
*The above email can also be used
to be added to our email notification
list for the project.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A CAMPGROUND OPERATOR
DOES NOT RECEIVE A LICENSE OR DOES NOT
MEET THE CONDITIONS OF A LICENSE?
All Tourist Campgrounds, as defined by the Township's
Zoning By-Law and Official Plan, would be required to
obtain a license to operate. Failure to meet the conditions
of a license may result in Administrative Monetary
Penalties. If these penalties are not paid promptly, they
could be added to the property's tax bill.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
1439 County Rd 8
Delta, ON K0E 1G0
1.800.928.2250
https://www.rideaulakes.ca/
PROPOSED CAMPGROUND LICENSING BY-LAW
WHY IMPLEMENT A LICENSING BY-LAW?
Different tools have varying levels of effectiveness. Official Plans, for example, are
not legally enforceable and are typically only enforced when there's a request for a
land use change, like altering zoning. Zoning and other by-laws are legally
enforceable but often require significant resources for enforcement, evidence
gathering, and, potentially, court actions to ensure compliance. Licensing acts as a
tool that enforces operational compliance by specifying license renewal periods
and enabling enforcement through administrative actions like permit denial or
revocation, standard enforcement methods, and the use of predetermined fines (tickets) and
administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for non-compliance. It's crucial to note that license by-
laws cannot charge fees or demand payments beyond the reasonable costs of administering the
license program.
As with all legal tools they are only effective when the municipality has the will, capacity, and
trained staff to implement them.
WHAT MIGHT BE INCLUDED IN A LICENSING BY-LAW?
Council is seeking feedback from campground operators and the public on the
components to include in a Licensing By-Law.
The proposed items to be considered in the by-law include:
-
User Pay System with a reasonable fee - campground operators would be
required to apply and pay for a license
-
Submittal and Review of Site Plan Drawings - site features are to include number of campsites,
naturalized areas, emergency access / fire routes, location of servicing areas (well, septic etc.).
Surveys will not be needed, but updates must be reflected in new site plan drawings during
license renewals.
-
License renewals every 4 years
-
Inspections conducted in response to complaints about compliance with an active license
-
Scheduled spot checks - approximately 4 campgrounds annually with all campgrounds
inspected within the term of Council
-
Review of operational features - such as fire safety measures, verification of
safe water and wastewater systems with confirmation of approvals of those
systems, and provision of campground rules
-
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) - financial penalties used as an
enforcement tool
-
Seasonal Operational Dates - to match the requirements in the Official Plan
(May 1st to November 1st)