North Huron Put on Formal Notice Over Sidewalk Obstructions and By-law Enforcement Freeze

(NORTH HURON, ON) — The Township of North Huron has now been formally placed on written notice over ongoing sidewalk obstructions, alleged interference with by-law enforcement, and growing public safety concerns linked to winter snow-clearing operations.

A detailed letter was sent this week to the Township Clerk, Chief Administrative Officer, Reeve, and members of Council outlining concerns that road snow is being dumped onto municipal sidewalks, making them impassable and forcing pedestrians into live traffic lanes.

The letter cites North Huron’s own bylaws, snow-removal policies, and provincial law, and requests written clarification on whether Township bylaws are being selectively unenforced when the Township itself is the source of the violation.

Snow Piles Blocking Sidewalks

Residents say snow pushed from roadways has repeatedly been piled onto sidewalks, leaving no safe pedestrian route and effectively eliminating the sidewalk altogether.

“This isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous,” the notice states, warning that blocked sidewalks force pedestrians, including seniors and people with mobility challenges, into the roadway.

By-law Enforcement Allegedly Restricted

According to statements documented in the notice, By-law Enforcement Officers allegedly advised that they are not permitted to enforce bylaws on municipal property, and that they lack clear job descriptions identifying who has authority to order non-enforcement when Township operations are involved.

If accurate, the letter argues this would represent a serious governance failure, as duly enacted bylaws would not be applied equally.

Council Question Left Unanswered

The issue was raised publicly at a recent council meeting, where the Reeve was asked directly whether by-law officers are allowed to enforce bylaws on Township-owned property, including sidewalks.

No answer was provided.

The written notice now demands a response, moving the issue from council floor discussions into a formal record.

Legal Duties Highlighted

The correspondence references Section 44 of Ontario’s Municipal Act, which requires municipalities to keep highways — including sidewalks — in a reasonable state of repair.

It also cites Ontario Court of Appeal decisions confirming that responsibility for snow and ice on public sidewalks rests with the municipality, and that prolonged failure to address dangerous sidewalk conditions can rise to the level of gross negligence.

North Huron’s own Clean Yards and snow-obstruction bylaws prohibit depositing snow in a way that blocks sidewalks, and authorize enforcement by by-law officers.

Records Preservation Requested

The letter specifically requests that the Township preserve all records related to:

• winter sidewalk maintenance,
• directions given to staff about snow placement,
• enforcement or non-enforcement decisions, and
• internal discussions acknowledging the safety risks.

This step is commonly taken ahead of formal Freedom of Information requests or third-party oversight complaints.

Request for Written Answers

The notice asks the Township to respond before the next council meeting on 15 December and provide written clarification on:

• whether bylaws apply to Township-owned property,
• whether any staff or officials have directed by-law officers not to enforce them,
• who has the authority to issue such directions, and
• what steps will be taken immediately to restore safe, accessible sidewalks.

Oversight May Follow

Observers note that once a municipality has been put on written notice of a safety hazard, continued inaction can significantly increase legal exposure.

Should the Township fail to respond or correct the issue, the matter could advance to Freedom of Information requests, Integrity Commissioner complaints, or review by the Ontario Ombudsman.

As of publication, North Huron has not publicly responded.

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