A by-law is a rule or law that is put in place by the City of Timmins to ensure that our community remains safe and orderly. The City of Timmins Enforcement Services Division is responsible for enforcing our by-laws. Staff enforce by-laws by investigating complaints and responding to the concerns of citizens.

Each month, we'll explore a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, we're looking at the City's Cleaning and Clearing of Land By-law.

Clean Sweep

When you drive around the city, do you notice when private yards or homes are surrounded by garbage or are in a state of disrepair? Does it affect how clean the city looks?

If you own property or land within the city of Timmins, you are responsible for maintaining your outdoor property and keeping it clean and clear. The City of Timmins Cleaning and Clearing of Land By-law 2008-6599 regulates the maintenance of your property to avoid becoming a public nuisance or attracting vermin, like bears.

In general, every owner should keep their land clean, clear and free of garbage. You should never place, throw or dump garbage on someone else’s private property or on City property.

What to Tidy Up

As a property owner, you’re expected to clean your land of compost, domestic waste (food scraps, cans, glass, plastic, old machines, etc.), industrial waste (piping, paper, cardboard, etc.), and rubble (broken concrete, broken asphalt, etc.).

“Refuse” means any matter, thing, or substance that has been cast aside or discarded.

“Clearing” your land refers to the removal of grass and weeds exceeding 20 centimetres or 8 inches. If you have a swimming pool, you’re also expected to maintain the water in a condition that isn’t a health or safety hazard.

What if you refuse to remove your refuse?

Enforcement Services can inspect your outdoor property for the purpose of by-law enforcement. If you are not in compliance with the by-law, if your property contains garbage, refuse, or has not been cleared as outlined in the by-law, you could be fined under the Provincial Offences Act. A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer will first provide direction on how to clean and clear your land.

If your land still isn’t cleaned up, Enforcement Services can take further action to bring your property into compliance, which could include organizing the cleaning and clearing of your land at the owner’s expense. The full amount will be added to the owner’s property taxes.

There’s an App for That

The City has a robust waste management and recycling program to help you remove household waste. You can download the Timmins Recyclepedia for Android and Apple devices and get updates on your collection days and what can be disposed of in your bins. For lawn trimmings, construction materials and more, you can also make use the City dumps for a small fee. Learn more about our landfills by visiting: Waste and Recycling Services.