Overview of Bylaws and Municipal Legislation

Municipal Legislation
The powers of municipal governments are determined by the provincial government.
Municipal governments in Ontario are responsible for providing many of the services that you rely on
daily such as:
 Animal Control and By-Law Enforcement
 Maintenance of Local Road Network
 Police Services
 Public Transit
 Garbage Collection and Recycling

Municipal Tiers
Three types of municipal governments:
 upper tier municipalities within a two-tier municipal structure
 lower tier municipalities within a two-tier municipal structure
 single tier municipalities which are not part of a two-tier structure

How Municipal By-Laws Impact Animals
Municipalities have power to create by-laws related to:
 Impounding animals (animal control)
 Muzzling dogs
 Licensing requirements
 Health, Safety & nuisance issues

What is a By-Law?
A by-law is a law created by the local government to meet the needs of citizens and resolve issues.
Bylaws apply within the municipal limits.
The right to create by-laws is given to municipalities by the province through the Municipal Act (a
provincial law).