CBRM illegal dumping fines almost triple to nearly $700

One environmental group is hoping its idea will lend even more weight to the latest measures in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to crack down on illegal dumping.

"They are dumping stuff in brooks, streams, at lakes, for crying out loud," said Jeff McNeil, director of the Port Morien Wildlife Association. "Our membership, both with the Port Morien group and the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, are the ones that see this first-hand and get fed up with it."

The fine for illegal dumping nearly tripled from $237.50 to $697.50 in February. In May, summary offence tickets will be introduced, pending provincial approval, which will make it easier for police to lay charges.

Current process 'time-consuming' 

"Right now we have to go through an appearance notice and a long-form-type court document which is time-consuming," said CBRM Const. Dan Lewis.

Lewis expects the increased fine will deter people from illegal dumping. He said the summary offence ticket will mean less paperwork and more time for investigation.

Since October 2017, five people have been fined for illegal dumping.

McNeil said he approves the changes, but says he worries about offenders not paying fines.

Recent proposal

McNeil said his group, with the support of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, came up with a suggested resolution for government: Any summary offence tickets regarding illegal dumping should be paid up if the offender wants their driver's licence renewed.

"Although it's great to issue these fines, the problem with it is collecting the restitution on these fines," McNeil said.

The resolution also calls on government to suspend drivers licences for seven days if a person is convicted of illegal dumping.

McNeil said the resolution was passed unanimously at a meeting of the Nova Scotia Federation of Angler and Hunters last weekend in Truro, N.S.