The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is welcoming the Ontario government’s announcement it will propose amendments to the Planning Act aimed at strengthening municipal enforcement against illegal truck yards.
The amendments would enable municipalities to impose administrative monetary penalties for illegal land uses, including illegal truck yards that are frequently established on rural, agricultural or near residential properties. The plan also looks to source “appropriate lands that can accommodate truck and trailer parking” in high-priority areas such as Peel, York and Halton regions.
Through its Stop Illegal Trucking campaign, which has generated nearly 3,000 e-mails in a month to MPPs, and years of active participation in municipal planning discussions, OTA has played a key role in highlighted the link between unauthorized truck yards and broader concerns around road safety, infrastructure and environmental damage, and protecting communities. OTA’s Land Use Planning paper released in 2024 identified the challenges in finding available lands suitable for trucking operations, while advocating for practical, enforceable solutions that balance community safety with the operational needs of the trucking industry.
The Association says that while increasing enforcement tools and opening surplus government land for truck parking is critical, the government must also ensure the availability and pricing of truck parking land is implemented fairly and does not unintentionally disrupt the market.
“OTA congratulates the Government of Ontario for taking this important step to address illegal truck parking and illegal trucking operations,” said OTA VP of Communications Marco Beghetto. “This is a meaningful response to long-standing concerns from municipalities, industry, and communities. However, it is essential these measures are implemented with care, due diligence, and a clear understanding of market realities.”
The association applauded news that under the proposal, municipalities will be able to apply Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) and could have expanded ability to collect fines.
“While the devil is always in the details, we look forward to working with jurisdictions about how this can be implemented most effectively. AMPs must be a true deterrent. Fines must have real teeth and can’t just be the cost of doing business,” said Beghetto.
While applauding the provincial government, OTA also recognized the leadership by the Town of Caledon and Mayor Annette Groves, as well as the Caledon Community Road Safety Advocacy (CCRSA) Group, for their leadership and persistence in working with the province and ensuring the voices of residents and responsible businesses were heard.
“Our community has been under siege for a very long time. We are cautiously optimistic these measures will begin to address many of our challenges,” says Amanda Corbett, a director of the CCRSA. “But this is the start of the conversation. There is much work to be done to address the lawlessness surrounding illegal truck yards and cargo storage as well as unsafe trucks and drivers in our neighborhoods. We look forward to being part of that process as well.”
OTA looks forward to reviewing the proposed amendments and continuing to work with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure the final framework is effective, balanced, and sustainable. The association plans to include this as part of the announced stakeholder safety meeting with Transportation Minister Sakaria on June 4.