City fines man $3K for illegal dumping in Ancaster

The complaints of several neighbours led to a $3,000 illegal dumping fine for one man who was convicted of putting construction waste into an empty suburban lot.

The City of Hamilton said Steven Sardinha, a contractor who also lived in the neighbourhood, was convicted in provincial offences court last week of depositing waste on property without the written authority of the owner after dumping trash at 78 Irwin Ave., where a house now stands.

Ann Lamanes, the citys spokeswoman, said neighbours spotted Sardinha directing a work crew to dump refuse into the vacant lot and took the "aggressive and proactive action"of notifying the city and also taking photos of the offence.

Lamanes said Sardinhadumped construction materials, including broken concrete and patio stones, pieces of wood and asphalt.

The incident, which dates back to June 2013, violates the citys yard maintenance by-law. It's one of largest finesin a long time, Lamanes said, and was of particular significance because the city had been monitoring dumping in the area for "some time."

A pilot projectlaunched to catch illegal dumpers in 2012 has led to over 100 charges, though prior to this conviction the highest find was $750 plus a victim surcharge, while the majority of fines were around $300.

City council is set to debate a motion to continue the pilot project later this week. Councillors are also set to explore the feasibility of "permanent video surveillance" in areas where illegal dumping is common.

"Illegal dumping is a serious concern in the City of Hamilton and can bring serious penalties for by-law violators," Marty Hazell, the citys senior director of by-law services said in a news release.

"In addition to being unsightly and attracting further waste disposal, illegal dumping is very costly to clean up; there are health and safety implications; and it can harm our environment."

Hazell also noted that the majority of citizens get rid of waste the proper way.

Sardinha was not present at the court proceedings. He has been ordered to pay a $2,500 fine plus an additional 25 per cent victim fine surcharge and court costs, bringing his total to $3,130.

The maximum fine the city can seek in similar cases is $10,000 on a first conviction, though that can rise if the accused has multiple past convictions.

Lamanes said the most important message to take from the case is that citizens should submit reports of any illegal dumping, as it can be difficult for city officials to catch otherwise.