HALTON HILLS, ON – It would seem to be common sense but apparently that is being thrown away along with personal protective equipment – and not in waste receptacles. As more and more people are wearing gloves, face masks or coverings, these items are being found in parking lots, natural areas and on streets as some residents are quick to discard them.
“Use a garbage can or take it home and throw it out there”, said the Mayor. “The Town should not have to tell people that littering is an offense and more than that, relying on others to dispose of their discarded personal protective equipment is a health hazard.”
It’s a problem being faced by a number of communities and one that is addressed within the existing community standards by-law:
Deposit of Refuse and Littering
3. (1) No Person shall throw, place or deposit Refuse or cause or permit Refuse to be placed upon:
(a) Private Property, without the consent of the Owner of the property;
(b) Town Property without the written consent of the Town;
(c) the Property of the Regional Municipality of Halton or of a local board without the written consent of the Regional Municipality of Halton or the local board; or
(d) a Highway.
According to Chief Administrative Officer Brent Marshall, “The fine is $200. This is a health issue. We’re in the midst of a pandemic and careless discard of masks and gloves is simply unacceptable.”
The Town is asking residents to call the COVID-19 hotline at 905-825-4722 to report an incident and request the presence of a by-law officer. If the person who has littered has left the area, providing the licence plate of the vehicle would be helpful.
For updates regarding Town operations, programs and services, visit haltonhills.ca. For health-related information, see Halton Region Public Health at halton.ca
About the Town of Halton Hills The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine. Visit haltonhills.ca
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