Question and Answer Page

Do you have a question concerning the municipal affairs of the Town of Deep River? Here is your chance to do so and get a timely and accurate response!

The Town of Deep River has initiated a new question and answer forum for just that purpose. E-mail your question to townmail@deepriver.ca. The question will be answered and both the question and answer will be posted to the website for your information.

Q: Will the Town be hosting a public information session to discuss the issues in the Ontario Fire Marshal’s (OFM) report and the entire spectrum of options available in that regard?

A: There are no plans of hosting a public meeting at this time. The Town of Deep River has begun implementing the recommendations made by the OFM and Council reports from time to time on the progress. Most of the recommendations are such that they are administrative and regulatory in nature.

#2

Q: By-law enforcement regarding dogs.

1. Who am I suppose to call?
2. Do I fill in a complaint form?
3. Do I need to provide photographic evidence or is my word alone enough?
4. Do I get feedback as to how the complaint was handled?
5. Does the person who is in violation have to know who complained?
6. What kind of follow-up is there by the town?
7. Who do I report an unprovoked attack by a dog to?

A: The Town of Deep River has a by-law for the regulation of dogs. The by-law is posted on the municipal website here By-law No. 10.92). The Town will be reviewing the by-law to determine if there are any revisions necessary. The Municipality does not have an Animal Control Officer at this time but we have recently revised the position of Chief Building Official to include the duties of by-law and property standards enforcement. Once the training has been implemented, we will work to revise and enforce our by-laws. In the meantime, should you have a complaint, please contact the Town Hall Office.

#3

Q: Why are there no crosswalks on the "LCBO' corner between the town hall and valumart lot and between the valumart lot and the 'chiropractor' side of the street? There are wheelchair access curbs but no marked crosswalks. Strange. I think crosswalks should be implemented.

A: The Town of Deep River did an analysis of the situation regarding safer passage across Deep River Road for pedestrian traffic and it was determined at that time that a crosswalk would be installed in front of the Post Office crossing Deep River Road rather than at the "LCBO". We are currently reviewing that original recommendation and will report to Council on our findings.

#4

Q: My parents reside in Deep River and their neighbours yard is filled with dog feces. These neighbours have 2 dogs and do not clean their yard. The odour is horrific and poses a health hazard and interferes with the enjoyment of their property. So what is their recourse? Apparently there are no bylaws or laws to deal with this problem in DR. Is this true?

A: The Town of Deep River recognizes that the municipality is in need of a by-law that will address this as well as many other issues concerning property standards. By-law number 27-99 is a by-law "to require and regulate the filling up, draining, cleaning and clearing of grounds, yards and vacant lots; to prohibit the use of land for dumping or disposing of garbage, refuse or domestic or industrial waste of any kind; and to prohibit the use of land for storage of used motor vehicles for the purpose of wrecking or dismantling" which is currently in place. The Municipality is currently working on a new comprehensive property standards by-law that will address current regulatory requirements as well as providing a property standards officer to ensure compliance and follow up on complaints.