Illegal Land Use: Trucking

What’s the issue?

Caledon is proud to be a great place to do business and a partner in the commercial trucking industry.

Unfortunately though, Caledon is facing an issue with illegal operations on lands that can’t be used for trucking purposes, including illegal trucking yards and parking vehicles on residential properties.

These illegal trucking operations are harmful and negatively impact everyone in Caledon.

Here, you will find a comprehensive guide on illegal trucking operations. This guide explains the by-laws, enforcement process and how truck storage facilities can operate legally.

How to Legally Store Trucks In Caledon

 

Trucking Depot Complaints Map

We are actively investigating complaints received regarding illegal transportation depots. To increase transparency and create greater public awareness, we have created an interactive map that shares information about what we are doing to address the issue.  

Report illegal trucking 

If you suspect a property is being used illegally, we encourage you to report it. 

Contact Service Caledon at 3-1-1 or email info@caledon.ca. 

  • Provide details about the property, including the address (if known) or a general description of the location. 
  • Provide any photographs, videos, or information regarding significant changes to the property, such as the addition of fill or alterations to the land grade. 

You must share the information listed below to file a complaint:  

  • Your full name 
  • Your address 
  • Your telephone number 

We do not investigate anonymous complaints.

What information can be shared
The information contained within this map may be shared by law. While the Town is actively working to enhance the functionality of this map and ensure transparency, no additional details about active investigations may be shared according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Once an investigation is concluded and the file is closed, additional information may be requested by anyone through a Municipal Freedom of Information Request Freedom of Information Requests - Town of Caledon.

What is the Town doing about it?

In 2021, an Illegal Land Use Enforcement Task Force was established and dedicated to proactively identifying and investigating illegal truck depots.

Since 2021, thanks to the Task Force, the Town has investigated over 300 properties using a variety of legal tools, including those provided under the Provincial Offences Act, Municipal Act and Planning Act. In certain instances, the Town has also sought injunctions through the Superior Court.

The Town remains committed to addressing this issue, continuing to investigate and monitor developments across the community closely. 

Illegal Land Use Task Force

Newly appointed task force setting workplan to crack down on illegal land use
On Wednesday, November 13, the newly appointed Illegal Land Use Task Force (ILUTF) convened for its inaugural meeting. After a successful recruitment campaign this summer, Council appointed eight community representatives to sit on the ILUTF for the remainder of the 2022-2026 Term of Council. 

Task Force Meetings and Resources

 January 15, 2025
 Overview of Land-Use Planning Considerations for Transportation Depots
 November 13, 2024
Illegal Land Use Task Force Introduction

Mayor calls on Province for support

On September 16, 2024, Mayor Annette Groves issued a letter to Caledon MPP and Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones for provincial support to address illegal trucking operations in Caledon. Having exhausted all the enforcement powers available to the Town, the Mayor has requested with the support of Council that the province: 

  • Increase maximum penalty amounts for individuals ($50,000) and corporations ($100,000 + $50,000 for each day continued) 

  • Enable physically barring entry to properties 

  • Grant municipalities the ability to include all charges, fines, orders, notices, prohibitions, injunctions, court-imposed fines on the title of a property

Fines, Penalties and Court Orders

Under the Planning Act, individuals, corporations, businesses and directors may face charges for unauthorized land use or development activities. Penalties include:

  • Individuals: Fines of up to $25,000 for a first conviction, with an additional $10,000 for each day the violation persists post-conviction
  • Corporations: Fines of up to $50,000 for a first conviction, along with $25,000 for each day of continued violation post-conviction

Under the Municipal Act, individuals convicted of offences may face fines determined by municipal by-laws, with a maximum limit of $100,000 and $10,000 for repeated or ongoing violations.

In some cases when fines alone are not enough to ensure compliance, By-law officers also have the authority to seek court orders, including injunctions that can halt ongoing violations and compel property owners into compliance. If an injunction is issued and ignored, the Town can pursue a contempt order that could result in harsher penalties, including imprisonment, additional fines and even the seizure of property.

About the By-Laws

In Caledon, truck storage facilities are only allowed on lands that are zoned for Serviced Industrial (MS) and Unserviced Industrial (MU). Visit caledon.ca/zoning to view the full Zoning By-law and zoning maps or reach out to the Town at zoning@caledon.ca or 905-584-2272 x. 4104 to confirm if a plot of land is properly zoned.

The property must also have Site Plan Approval before it can operate as a truck storage facility. The Town’s Planning department can help property owners with this application process. To learn more or to request a preliminary meeting contact 905.584.2272 ext. 7338 or planning@caledon.ca.

For more information on Industrial Zones, their requirements, and their permitted uses please see Section 8 – Industrial Zones of the Town’s Zoning By-Law.

For more information on how to legally store trucks in Caledon, view the Guide on How To Legally Store Trucks in Caledon Guide.

The Impacts

There are rules for where and how truck storage facilities can operate. Breaking them results in harmful impacts, including:

  • Environment: damaging sensitive soil and water

  • Farmland: paving over farmland

  • Pollution: air, light and noise pollution

  • Safety: large trucks on residential roads and near busy neighbourhoods

  • Town character: makes the town look unwelcoming

  • Quality of life: impacting property values and discouraging potential new residents

The Town is tackling illegal operations and is ensuring that the local trucking and real estate industries are clear about the rules.