Markham Bylaw: Scales and Fuel Pump Inspections

Business and Consumer Protection Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Markham, Ontario, businesses that sell goods or fuels using measured quantities must ensure their devices are lawful and accurate. Measurement Canada is the federal authority that approves and inspects commercial weighing and measuring devices used for trade; local By-law Enforcement and Business Licensing in Markham may handle complaints, local licensing and compliance matters. Measurement Canada[1] administers national weights and measures standards and supervises inspections for devices used in trade.

Measurement Canada is the primary federal inspector for trade-measure devices, while Markham enforces local licensing and complaint handling.

Who inspects scales and fuel pumps

Commercial scales and fuel dispensers used for retail sales are regulated at the federal level by Measurement Canada. Businesses must use certified and sealed devices when selling by weight or volume. For fuel dispensers specifically, Measurement Canada has rules and inspection programs focused on retail fuel sales. Fuel dispenser guidance[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement may involve federal inspection action by Measurement Canada and local administrative measures by City of Markham staff when a business license or local bylaw is implicated. Exact monetary fines, escalation amounts, and schedules are dependent on the controlling statute or bylaw cited in each case; when not listed on an official page this article notes that fact and cites the source.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited pages for local Markham measures; federal penalties under the applicable acts are detailed on Measurement Canada pages where provided.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult Measurement Canada or the specific bylaw listed on any notice.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include orders to repair, stop-sale directives, seizure of devices, or prosecution under applicable statutes; exact remedies are set by the enforcing authority.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Measurement Canada enforces federal weights and measures; for local complaints about business licensing or bylaw breaches contact City of Markham By-law Enforcement.Markham By-law Enforcement[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and statutory time limits depend on the issuing authority; specific appeal periods are not specified on the cited municipal pages and should be checked on any enforcement notice or Measurement Canada correspondence.
If you receive a notice, act quickly and request the written basis and appeal deadlines from the issuing office.

Applications & Forms

Measurement Canada publishes forms and procedures for device approval, inspection and correction; businesses generally do not file a local "scale inspection" form with Markham unless required by a business licence condition. For federal approvals and inspection requests, use Measurement Canada contact and application pages. [1]

Common violations

  • Using an uncertified or unsealed scale or dispenser.
  • Failing to maintain calibration records or service records.
  • Not displaying required inspection seals or labels.
Keep calibration and service records on-site and available for inspection.

Action steps for businesses

  • Inventory all trade-measure devices and check for certification seals.
  • Contact an accredited service provider to calibrate and seal devices if needed.
  • If you receive a complaint or notice, request written reasons and timelines from the issuing office and follow instructions for remedy or appeal.

FAQ

Who is responsible for inspecting commercial scales in Markham?
Measurement Canada is the federal authority that approves and inspects commercial scales used in trade; Markham By-law Enforcement handles local complaints and licensing issues.[1][3]
Who inspects fuel pumps?
Measurement Canada inspects and approves retail fuel dispensers according to federal weights and measures rules; businesses must use certified dispensers.[2]
How do I report an inaccurate dispenser or scale?
Report trade-measure device concerns to Measurement Canada and local business license or by-law officers in Markham for parallel local matters.[1][3]

How-To

  1. Confirm the device is used for trade (sales to customers).
  2. Check for a Measurement Canada seal or approval marking and note the device identifier.
  3. Contact an accredited service company to test and, if needed, repair or recalibrate the device.
  4. If you suspect a violation or consumer complaint, contact Measurement Canada and Markham By-law Enforcement to report the issue and follow their instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Measurement Canada is the primary federal inspector for scales and fuel pumps used in trade.
  • Markham enforces local licensing and handles complaints; contact the city for local issues.
  • Keep calibration and service records and act promptly on notices.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Measurement Canada - Official site for weights and measures and inspection programs
  2. [2] Measurement Canada - Retail fuel dispenser guidance
  3. [3] City of Markham - By-law Enforcement

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