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The Town of Halton Hills has successfully prosecuted an illegal truck terminal operation on Eighth Line, resulting in $35,000 in fines and a court order requiring the property to be restored.
According to the Town, Nishan GTA Inc. and its director were each convicted of zoning and site alteration offences related to the operation. The convictions included an illegal land use charge, failing to obtain site alteration permits, and failing to comply with a site alteration order.
The court also issued a prohibition order, preventing the continuation of the illegal use and requiring restoration of the property. Under Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act, prohibition orders can restrict activities related to an offence and require corrective actions to ensure compliance with regulations.
“I often speak to the great quality of life we have in Halton Hills,” says Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor. “One of the ways we uphold this high standard of living is by enforcing our by-laws and I appreciate that work by our Enforcement Services staff. Our beautiful farmland should not be used, illegally, for truck yards!”
The Town said it has actively enforced its site alteration and zoning bylaws, citing concerns that illegal truck depots can contribute to traffic congestion, impact farmland aesthetics, and create safety concerns due to the presence of large transport trucks.
Municipal officials also pointed to the Province’s proposed Bill 119, which recently passed second reading. If approved, the legislation would provide municipalities with additional enforcement tools to address illegal land uses.
Lawlor welcomes the progress of the legislation.
“I am very pleased that the bill is moving forward. Council and staff have been advocating for this change for many years and I would like to thank the Province for moving forward with new tools for municipalities.”
The bill has been referred to committee for further study and remains subject to a 30-day public comment period before potentially becoming law.
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