Township of Champlain - BY LAW

You plan to install a spa or a swimming pool in your back yard this summer?

Please note that in the Township of Champlain we are most concerned about safety, particularly that of our children and of all our residents and visitors in our jurisdiction. Consequently, owners of privately-owned hot tubs and swimming pools, whether in ground, above ground or inflatable (with 18 inches of water and more), have to obtain a permit from our Department. An inspection from one of our officers follows the installation to ensure compliance with the By-law and other regulations.

Safety points to keep in mind:

First, it is very important that the location is approved by the Chief Building Official to ensure that they are properly located in respect to septic tanks, septic fields and property lines.
All in ground swimming pool enclosures must be at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height.
All above ground swimming pools whose walls are 1.2 meters (4 feet) or more are considered to be enclosed. Access to the pool (ladders, stairs or decks) must be restricted and provided with locking devices.
Lockable covers over inflatable pools and hot tubs are considered an acceptable and approved mean to prevent access.
Accessory equipment such as pool filters, water heaters and pumps must be located no less than 36 inches from the pool wall to prevent climbing access.
If any deck is constructed as part of the installation of the pool, construction details and location must also be approved by the Building Department.

Parking

The objective of this By-law is to ensure that all highways which include sidewalks are cleared for the benefit of both vehicles’ and pedestrians’ traffic.

Parking restrictions are strictly imposed during snow removal operations on all roads as well.

Commonly seen infractions include:

Parking

on a sidewalk
within 5 meters of an intersection
within 5 meters of a pedestrian crosswalk
on a crosswalk
within 3 meters of a fire hydrant
in a no parking zone
in excess of one hour on street (where signs are posted)
between 12:00 am and 7:00 am on street from the 31st of October of the current year and the 31st of March of the succeeding year
in a handicapped parking zone
where prohibited
wrong direction on street.

For any additional information, contact William Beekers, Champlain Township By-law Enforcement Department, at 613-675-4727.

Noise

This By-law was adopted to address growing concerns of the unfavorable effects of everyday noise issues. Repeated and lengthy exposure to high level or persistent noise is recognized as a health hazard. The Noise By-law is actively enforced to ensure persons maintain their quality of life and are written to protect the environment within which we live.

Offences are usually dealt with information notices and, if recurrent, by the issuance of provincial offences notices and legal recourse:

Example of Offences:

Discharging of a firearm
Operating or allowing the operation of an electronic sound amplification device
Allowing persistent barking, calling, whining or other persistent noise made by an animal
Allowing and/or yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing
Allowing and/or loading, unloading, delivering, packing, unpacking or handling of any containers from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Operating or allowing the operation of any tool for domestic purposes and including equipment in connection with construction from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Fences

Our Fence By-law regulates the erection and maintenance of all fences and is designed to control the location, the height, type of material and the manner in which fences and gates are erected and maintained on the property.

An application with details of construction of your fence as well as the site plan must be submitted to the Township of Champlain’s By-law Department for approval prior to construction. A fence permit is then issued and an inspection follows to ensure compliance.

It is advisable to call our office at (613) 675-4727 for an appointment, since our officers are often called out on duty.