Enforcement Activities

When public health rules are broken, it puts our community’s safety and well-being at risk. To prevent harm and address violations, enforcement actions are sometimes necessary. This page explains what happens during enforcement, how it works, and what these actions mean for you and the community.

What types of enforcement actions are taken?

Public Health Inspectors have several tools to address non-compliance:

1. Tickets for infractions

• Tickets are issued when violations are observed during inspections

• Fines range from $55 to $465, depending on the severity of the issue

2. Court summonses

• More serious or repeated violations may result in a summons

• A summons requires the individual or business to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice

3. Health Hazard Orders

• If a health hazard is identified, inspectors may issue an order to resolve the issue

• Orders can require immediate action, such as closing a facility until the hazard is addressed

How are convictions recorded?

• Convictions under the Health Protection and Promotion Act remain on public records for two years

• Convictions under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act are listed for five years

Recent enforcement actions in our community