Those who choose to dump garbage around Chatsworth can now face a fairly hefty fine.
Chatsworth council approved a new by-law at its meeting on Jan. 15 to prohibit any dumping on private property, municipal property or highways in the township.
Staff had recommended setting the fine for offenders at $300, but councillors decided to stiffen it to $500 to explicitly deter anyone from this type of behaviour.
Chatsworth Mayor Scott Mackey says he doesn't think dumping happens often in the township, but when it does occur it's frustrating for the property owners.
“We've got good garbage pickup. We've got two landfills people can take things too,” Mackey explains. “There's no excuse in my mind for throwing rubbish on the side of the road.”
The by-law can be enforced by both Ontario Provincial Police or the township's enforcement officer, Mackey adds.