A new $305 fine that can be slapped on those who create too much airborne dust during home construction activity is now on the books in Mississauga.
The fine, part of a plan to strengthen City of Mississauga bylaws that deal with debris and litter as they relate to air quality, took effect on March 2.
Mississauga Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko, who introduced a motion last September to beef up bylaws dealing with dust caused by residential construction, said in December as a subsequent city staff recommendation was unanimously endorsed by councillors that stronger rules have been “a long time coming.”
He added the new fine, the same penalty issued by the City of Toronto to offenders there, “is going to be a deterrent … and helpful for our bylaw officers.”
Dasko said at the time the matter was first brought to his attention by residents whose home became “covered in this dust” as concrete cutting and other work took place on a neighbouring property.
Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko said beefed-up regulations and fines will better protect Mississauga residents from harmful dust brought about by home construction/renovations.
He added the people who came forward complained of respiratory issues and other concerns.
In seeking to bolster city bylaws, staff said in a report to councillors that “residential construction activities in Mississauga, including concrete cutting, can generate significant dust that negatively impacts surrounding properties and residents, posing health, safety and environmental concerns.”
Prior to council’s approval, while measures and equipment existed to contain or limit the spread of dust, bylaw enforcement officers didn’t “have a specific regulatory framework to address dust emitted from residential construction activities.”
In looking to other municipalities in addition to Toronto for guidance in determining an appropriate fine, staff noted:
Brampton levies a $300 fine for a first offence, $550 for a second offence and $800 for subsequent offences.
In Oakville, fines are set at $300, $400 and $500 for first offence/subsequent offences.
In the report’s conclusion, staff said new rules “will establish a clearer and more enforceable regulatory framework, improve administrative and operational efficiency, and align with best practices in comparable jurisdictions.”
They added the changes also “support the city’s efforts to minimize dust impacts on neighboring properties and ensure enforcement tools remain effective.”
Adding to Mississauga’s air quality concerns last summer, smoke drifting into southern Ontario from wildfires in the northern part of the province and the Prairies led to a number of air quality statements and warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 32,245 Votes
All Time: 1,253,856 Votes
1314 VOTES
How often do you shop at brick-and-mortar clothing stores?
WIN A $100 GIFT CARD
Subscribe to INsauga’s daily email newsletter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.