Township of Woolwich By-law Officers investigate all complaints about by-law violations, ensure compliance, lay charges where appropriate, and answer questions about by-laws and by-law processes.
Residents should keep in mind that there are some unavoidable neighbourhood inconveniences that are a part of community living and we are all asked to be reasonable and understanding at these times. No one should have to tolerate excessive and continued activities that disturb or negatively affect the enjoyment of our neighbourhoods.
Our objectives are:
- To increase public awareness of Township by-laws;
- To educate residents on their responsibilities and rights as property owners or tenants, and;
- To achieve compliance with Township by-laws.
You can report by-law infractions to By-law in confidence but you will need to give your name and contact information.
Complaints
Any information you give us will remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law. The Clerk of the Township has the responsibility of determining whether to release any by-law information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
You can make a complaint by emailing the By-law Division or by phone at 519-669-6009. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What you can expect when making a by-law complaint:
- You will be required to give your name, address and phone number. Anonymous calls will not be investigated unless they are an immediate health and safety risk.
- You will then be asked for the details of the concern (where, when, what, how, who).
- The complaint will be investigated.
- Please be patient, enforcement is a process and can take time.
Woolwich Council passed a By-law Enforcement Policy in 2013 to formalize this complaint process.
Door-to-Door Sales
Please contact the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services if you have concerns regarding door-to-door sales. As of March 1, 2018, the unsolicited, door-to-door sale of the following products are banned:
- Air cleaners
- Air conditioners
- Air purifiers
- Duct cleaning services
- Furnaces
- Water filters
- Water heaters
- Water purifiers
- Water softeners
- Water treatment devices
- Bundles of these goods and services
Products and services not listed can still be sold door-to-door, but businesses must still follow other requirements under the Consumer Protection Act.
Noise
Our By-law Officers handle questions about a wide variety of noise concerns from barking dogs to industrial noise. The Township's noise by-law regulates activities of noise by time and day of the week. Industrial and commercial noise is regulated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.
Noise By-law Exemptions
Noise by-law exemptions are required to allow any noise in contravention of the by-law including any event involving amplified noise. If you are looking to apply for an exemption to the noise by-law, please contact by-law enforcement at 519-669-6009. Requests should be submitted a minimum of 21 days before the event.
You need to submit a letter outlining the details of the request along with the applicable fee as set out in the Township's fees and charges by-law.
Your letter should include the following:
- Name of applicant or organization
- Name of person organizing the event and their contact information
- Date and location of the event
- Specific time(s) of the event
- Source of noise and whether or not noise will be amplified
- Description of steps you have taken or intend to take to reduce impacts on surrounding properties
- A site plan that shows the location of the any outdoor amplifiers in relation to neighbouring properties, parking areas and all buildings on the property
By-law will look at the application and complaint history in order to make a decision regarding your request. They may grant your request, recommend an alternative or refuse your request all together. By-law may also put conditions on the approval such as that any speakers must face down or the noise must be reduced at a certain time.