ONTARIO CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL TRUCK YARDS
Proposed changes would allow municipalities to impose fines for misuse of lands
May 20, 2026
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and HousingCALEDON — The Ontario government will soon propose amendments to the Planning
Act that would help prevent illegal land uses, including for trucks and the
operation of commercial trucking activities on land not zoned for industrial
use. The amendments would enable municipalities to impose administrative
monetary penalties for illegal land uses, including illegal truck yards that are
frequently established on rural, agricultural or residential properties.
“Several municipalities have asked the government for more tools to address
illegal land uses, including trucks illegally parked on agricultural, rural, and
residential lands,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“That is why we are pleased to support this locally led solution, protecting our
communities, including the surrounding farmland, and ensuring the health and
safety of residents.”
Illegal land uses, such as truck depots, can impact rural, agricultural and
residential lands that are not zoned to accommodate significant numbers of large
vehicles. This can create safety hazards, damage local roads and generate noise,
odour, lighting and drainage issues for nearby residents.
“Illegal truck yards have been a major concern for residents across Caledon,
disrupting rural communities, damaging local roads and threatening the integrity
of our agricultural land,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “These
proposed changes would give municipalities the stronger enforcement tools they
need to crack down on unlawful land uses, protect our communities and preserve
the farmland that is so important to our region.”
While municipalities can currently prosecute offenders who contravene zoning
by-laws, it can require significant staff time and take years to resolve through
the courts. Allowing municipalities to issue administrative monetary penalties
gives them an additional tool to immediately address inappropriate land uses.
“I would like to thank the Ford government for hearing us. This means a great
deal to Caledon and other municipalities facing this issue,” said Annette
Groves, Mayor of Caledon. “We have advocated hard for more ability to enforce
illegal land use. This now gives us more tools to keep our community safe.”
Administrative monetary penalties can be issued directly by a municipal
official, without having to go to court. They are intended to encourage
compliance rather than provide a punishment and allow municipalities to deal
with violations more efficiently than a formal prosecution.
QUICK FACTS
* The Ministry of Transportation is currently sourcing appropriate lands that
can accommodate truck and trailer parking in high-priority areas such as
Peel, York and Halton regions.
* Administrative monetary penalties are a discretionary tool. Amounts are set
by individual municipalities, subject to legal constraints, and are intended
to promote compliance with local by-laws. They may include criteria for
increasing penalties in cases of continued non-compliance.
* Any non-payment of administrative monetary penalties could be added to the
tax roll and recovered through property taxes.
* In 2025, Halton Hills had over 50 illegal truck depots and more than
40 active investigations. The largest fine for a successful prosecution was
$115,000 – which did not cover the prosecution and enforcement costs.
QUOTES
“Illegal truck yards often create serious safety concerns for families and
communities, while putting added pressure on local roads and infrastructure.
These changes are part of our government’s commitment to protecting Ontario by
giving municipalities stronger enforcement tools to crack down on illegal
activity and help keep communities safe.”
– Michael Kerzner
Solicitor General
“Illegal truck parking sites create safety risks, put pressure on local roads
and disrupt nearby communities. Our government is taking action to identify
suitable surplus government property for truck and trailer parking in
high-priority areas across Ontario.”
– Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation
“Rural communities should feel safe, protected and respected. Illegal land uses
can create challenges for residents and municipalities. These proposed changes
will give municipalities stronger tools to respond more quickly and help to
ensure rural communities in Ontario are locations people are proud to call
home.”
– Lisa Thompson
Minister of Rural Affairs
“Ontario’s agri-food sector is a major driver of our economy, and protecting
farmland is critical to protecting our food supply and long-term growth. Today’s
announcement gives municipalities stronger tools to help keep communities safe
while also protecting valuable farmland for future generations. Our government
will continue standing up for farmers and supporting a strong, resilient
agri-food sector across Ontario.”
– Trevor Jones
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
“Residents of King and Vaughan know all too well that our communities have
become a hotspot for illegal land use. This is why we are supporting
municipalities in cracking down with new penalties that better ensure rural,
agricultural, and residential lands are for farmers and families, not illegal
trucking yards. This policy will give municipal by-law the enforcement teeth and
confidence they need to keep our communities safe.”
– Hon Stephen Lecce
Member of Provincial Parliament for King-Vaughan
“Today’s announcement is great news for Halton Hills and surrounding
communities. Residents expect their neighbours to follow the rules and this will
give municipalities a greater ability to protect the communities we love.”
– Joseph Racinsky
Member of Provincial Parliament, Wellington-Halton Hills
