AMPS Information

The Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP) system is an emerging approach to dealing with minor By-Law infractions in a fair, effective and efficient manner. This approach has been adopted by numerous municipalities and is designed to streamline the enforcement process and increase compliance with specific Municipal By-Laws.  

The AMP system of enforcement transfers By-Law disputes from the courtroom to the municipality using Screening and Hearings Officers who can modify, cancel, or affirm penalties. This approach aids in reducing congestion in the courts and provides a more local and accessible dispute resolution system.  

If a municipality chooses to apply the AMP system to enforce their Municipal By-Laws, they still have the option to issue a Part I or Part III (to appear in court) for more serious matters or for repeat offenders. 

Council enacted the Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP) system on July 20, 2022 and is phasing in the new system in 2022. 

What is a Penalty Notice?

A Penalty Notice is issued by a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer to an individual when they have committed a By-Law infraction. A Penalty Notice is the same as a “ticket” except that it requires payment of a penalty instead of a fine.  
 
Penalty Notices issued under AMPS do not cost more than traditional fines. However, additional administrative fees may be applied to the original penalty amount in certain cases.  For instance, additional administrative fees are applied to late payments and the failure to attend a scheduled review with a Screening or Hearing Officer.  

Under the AMP system, Penalty Notices can be disputed by requesting a review of the Administrative Penalty by a Screening Officer. If not satisfied by the decision of the Screening Officer, the matter may be taken to an external Hearing Officer. The decision of the Hearing Officer is final, and there is no further level of appeal. 

Payment Options

a) E-transfer Payment – use Email: [email protected]  Password: 9 character Penalty Notice # (starting with STC#

b) By Mail – Write the Penalty Notice # on your cheque or money order, make payable to the “Municipality of St.-Charles” and mail to: Municipality of St.-Charles, 2 King Street, St.-Charles, ON  P0M 2W0

DO NOT SEND CASH BY MAIL. Post-dated cheques or payments by installments will not be accepted. NSF cheques will be subject to additional fees.  PAYMENT DATE IS THE DATE RECEIVED, NOT THE DATE OF MAILING.

c) In Person at Municipal Office – Monday to Friday from 9 AM – 12:30 PM/1:30 PM – 4:30 PM. This Penalty Notice must be brought with you to complete payment.

*For Penalty Notice inquiries, please call (705) 867-2032

You Just Received a Penalty Notice. What now?

Follow the instructions on the Penalty Notice. You have the following two (2) options:

• Pay the Penalty Notice; or
• Request a screening review to dispute the notice. (Complete the Request for Review (Form)

Any outstanding penalties and additional fees are added to the tax roll of the person’s property in the Municipality and will be collected in the same manner as municipal taxes.

For more information, view the AMPS By-Law 2022-27 and Amending By-Law 2024-31.