By-law Enforcement
The By-law Services Division is essential in ensuring that Collingwood is a great place to live, work and play. Town by-laws establish standards that promote a safe and livable community, support good neighbour interactions and prevent behaviours that undermine the quality of life in our community, such as aggressive dogs, litter, noise, uncontrolled parking and unsightly properties.
We enforce over 40 regulatory by-laws and some provincial legislation which are a core part of maintaining community standards. Provincial legislation such as the Municipal Act, Building Code Act, Highway Traffic Act, Dog Owner’s Liability Act and the Provincial Offences Act to name a few. We also administer all aspects of the School Crossing Guard Program and the Town’s Coyote Management Plan.
The Town’s By-law Enforcement Policy is to achieve voluntary compliance with town by-laws in all instances and to provide proactive enforcement through optimum solutions as needed to maintain community standards.
The By-law Services Division is responsible for the following main service areas:
Click below for a list of our most frequently requested by-laws:
Service Request for By-law Enforcement
If you would like to report a possible by-law violation, please contact us by the following ways:
- Submit a by-law complaint on our Public Portal
- Telephone: 705-445-1030 ext. 3256
As a registered user on the Public Portal you will be able to track the status of your by-law complaint.
Please Note: In order to investigate your concerns/complaints properly, please provide us with the following information:
- Your first and last name,
- Your address,
- Your phone number, and
- The Collingwood address where the issue is or has taking place. (If it is for a vacant lot, please provide a detailed description of the location).
Unless permitted by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, or required as a result of disclosure, your personal information will be kept confidential. Should the matter proceed to court, it may be necessary for you to attend court as a witness to the violation.
Anonymous complaints will not be investigated unless potential safety, health or liability issues are identified.
What is an e-bike?
As per the Town's Motorized Vehicle By-law, an “e-bike” is defined as a motorized vehicle referred to as a motor assisted bicycle that contains an integrated electric motor which can be used for propulsion and retain the ability to be pedalled by the rider. E-bikes in Ontario must have:
- steering handlebars
- working pedals
- an electric motor not exceeding 500 Watts
- a maximum speed of 32 km/h
- a maximum weight of 120 kg
- a permanent label from the manufacturer in both English and French stating that your e-bike conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle
It is illegal to modify your e-bike's motor to make it more powerful or to increase the speed of your e-bike.
Where can I ride my e-bike in Collingwood?
You can ride your e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bikes are permitted, with some exceptions.
You can't ride your e-bike:
- on any sidewalk under the jurisdiction of the Town;
- on multi-use trails;
- in any park, beach, or other municipally owned or controlled lands within the municipality not designated as a highway; and,
- on any unopened road allowance under the jurisdiction of the Town.
Is there any style or type of motor assisted bicycle that I can use on multi-use trails?
Yes! Pedelecs are permitted on multi-use trails.
What is a pedelec?
As per the Town's Motorized Vehicle By-law, a “pedelec” is defined as a motorized vehicle referred to as a motor assisted bicycle that is similar in appearance to a manually powered bicycle driven by muscular power, that requires the use of pedals to activate a small electric motor that is only triggered while the rider is pedalling, reaching a maximum speed of 25 km/h during assisted pedalling and weighing less than 40 kilograms.