Multiple Yard Maintenance Violations Result in Conviction

HAMILTON, ON – October 25, 2016 – The City of Hamilton today announced the successful prosecution and conviction of two individuals for multiple property standards and yard maintenance violations at 149 Winchester Boulevard in Hamilton.

At a trial on August 12, 2016 in Provincial Offences Court, Ms. Donna Biggley and Mr. Robert Thellefsen were convicted by the court of three offences under City of Hamilton Yard Maintenance By-law 10-118 s. 9(2), 9(3) & 4(1):

• Owner Fail to Keep Driveway Passage Safe
• Owner Fail to Keep Yard Clean – Creating Hazard
• Owner Fail to Keep Yard Clear of Waste

On October 14, 2016, Ms. Biggley, who did not appear for the trial, was sentenced to 15 days to pay a $1,500 fine ($500 for each count) plus a victim fine surcharge and court costs of $345.

Mr. Thellefsen, who did appear, received two years of probation and has until November 14, 2016 to clean up his property and comply with the by-law. If there is further non-compliance upon re-inspection, criminal charges may be laid.

This is Mr. Thellefsen’s sixth conviction for this issue and he has not paid anything from the previous five convictions.

“It is important that we look after our properties as good neighbours,” said Kim Coombs, Co-Director of Municipal Law Enforcement. “This requires property owners and occupants to maintain their properties to a minimum standard, which prevents health and safety risks, increases a home’s value and avoids costly penalties.”

The Property Standards and Yard Maintenance By-law also applies to commercial and vacant properties.

The City of Hamilton appreciates citizens who assist in reporting yard maintenance concerns to Municipal Law Enforcement. For urgent complaints regarding private property that is an immediate health and safety concern please call:

• 905-546-2782, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• 905-546-2489, after hours
• Register a complaint online