Report Illegal or Obscene Advertising in Barrie - Bylaw
Barrie, Ontario residents who spot illegal or obscene advertising on public property or private property visible from public spaces can file a complaint with City Services online using the municipal reporting tools. Use the City of Barrie online complaint form to provide location, photos, and details so By-law officers can investigate and, if necessary, issue orders or pursue charges. Report a by-law complaint online[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for illegal or obscene advertising in Barrie is handled by the City of Barrie By-law Enforcement unit. Specific fine amounts and escalation rules are not specified on the cited municipal pages; follow the complaint route below to initiate enforcement and request details about penalties.
- Enforcer: By-law Enforcement, City of Barrie; complaints submitted online or by phone will be triaged for investigation. By-law Enforcement[2]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.
- Orders & non-monetary sanctions: officers may issue removal orders, compliance notices, or pursue prosecution; exact remedies are not specified on the cited page.
- Appeals & review: appeal routes or time limits are not specified on the cited page; ask the By-law office for timelines when you receive an order or notice.
Applications & Forms
To report illegal or obscene advertising, use the City of Barrie online by-law complaint form; no separate sign-appeal form is published on the city pages cited. If you are a business seeking a permit or variance for signs, contact Planning and Licensing for the applicable sign permit forms.
How enforcement works
- Report: submit location, photos, and description via the online complaint form or call By-law Enforcement.
- Investigation: officers assess whether the advertising breaches the sign bylaw or other municipal rules.
- Notice or order: if a breach is found, the city may issue a removal order or notice of offence.
- Enforcement action: fines, removal, or prosecution may follow; ask the officer for specific penalties.
FAQ
- How do I report illegal or obscene advertising?
- Use the City of Barrie online by-law complaint form to submit the location, photos, and a description of the advertising; include contact information for follow-up.
- What happens after I file a complaint?
- By-law officers will review the complaint, inspect the site if needed, and decide whether to issue an order or charge; timelines vary by case.
- Can I remain anonymous when reporting?
- The online form asks for contact details for follow-up; you can inquire with the By-law office about anonymity or privacy, but specific privacy handling is not specified on the cited pages.
How-To
- Document the advertising: take clear photos showing the whole sign and its location.
- Note details: record the exact address or nearest intersection, date and time, and any identifying information.
- Use the City of Barrie online complaint form to upload photos and submit details.
- Keep your reference number and follow up with By-law Enforcement if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time.
- If you receive an order you disagree with, ask the By-law office for appeal routes and deadlines when notified.
Key Takeaways
- Report quickly with photos and exact location to help enforcement act.
- City By-law Enforcement handles investigations and issues orders where warranted.
- If you are a business, obtain proper sign permits before installing advertising.
Help and Support / Resources
- By-law Enforcement - City of Barrie
- Municipal By-laws - City of Barrie
- Planning & Permits - City of Barrie
- Contact the City of Barrie
