Tickets

The City of Cambridge’s Administrative Penalty System (APS) provides a faster and more efficient process for managing by‑law infractions, including parking violations. Enabled under the Municipal Act, 2001, APS allows municipalities to create local dispute resolution systems as an alternative to the traditional Provincial Offences Act court process.

This modern enforcement model—already used by many municipalities as well as by provincial and federal agencies—streamlines how penalties are issued, reviewed, and resolved. Instead of appearing in court, individuals can have their penalty reviewed by the City through an independent Screening Officer and, if needed, a Hearing Review Officer, both of whom have the authority to confirm, vary, or cancel penalties.

By shifting minor by‑law matters out of the court system, APS helps reduce court backlogs, improves compliance with the City of Cambridge’s by-laws, and enhances customer service by making dispute resolution more accessible, timely, and user-friendly.

If you receive a Penalty Notice, you have two options:

  1. Pay the Penalty Notice

    • Within 15 days for parking violations
    • Within 30 days for non‑parking by-law violations

  2. Dispute the Penalty Notice

    • You may request a review by a Screening Officer
    • You must request this within 15 days for parking offences or 30 days for non‑parking offences, counted from the effective date of service

You can pay a non-parking penalty notice (ticket) here or a Parking Penalty Notice here.

Payment for parking penalty notices is due within 15 days from the effective date of service.

Payment for non-parking penalty notices are due within 30 days from the effective date of service.

 

 

If you received a penalty notice (ticket) and you are within the time period to dispute it (15 days for parking violations and 30 days for non-parking violations) you may submit a request to have the ticket reviewed by a Screening Officer.

Screening appointments are conducted virtually, over the phone, or via email and occur between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays). Each Penalty Notice review will be afforded ten (10) to fifteen (15) minute appointment. Penalty Notice screenings cannot be scheduled for the same day that a penalty notice is received.

Please note:

  • Failing to appear for a scheduled Screening will result in the Penalty Notice being affirmed and the addition of a $25.00 administrative non-appearance fee will be added to the Penalty Notice.
  • The City does not provide language interpreters, should you require one, you will be responsible for providing your own.
  • If you attend a screening review and are not the accused/registered owner you must complete the Authorization to Act as an Agent form, signed by the accused/registered owner.
  • Alternate formats, communication supports and accommodations are available. For more information, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@cambridge.ca or (519) 623-1340 Ext. 4292.

If you would like to dispute your Penalty Notice,or would like an explanation of why you received it, please email submit a request online, email tickets@cambridge.ca or call (519) 623-1340 ext. 7926.

The Screening Officer will review all the documents and evidence before making a decision and may:

  1. Cancel the penalty notice, including any administrative fees;
  2. Confirm the penalty notice, including any administrative fees;
  3. Reduce the amount owed, including any administrative fees; and
  4. Extend time for payment of the penalty notice, including any administrative fees.

The Screening Officer will discuss their decision with you at the end of their review or provide the decision by mail or email.

Failure to pay the amount set out in the screening decision within fifteen (15) days of the due date will be subject to additional administrative fees.

If you would like the decision reviewed further, you may request a Hearing Review at the conclusion of the Screening Review.

If you have received a penalty notice (ticket) and are not satisfied with the Screening Officer’s decision, you may request a further review by a Hearing Officer by completing this form: request a Hearing Review. Hearing reviews are held either virtually or in person at City Hall.

Important Information

  • Once you submit your request for a Hearing, you will be notified in writing of your hearing date, time and be provided with a virtual link.
  • The City does not provide language interpreters, should you require one, you will be responsible for providing your own.
  • If you attend a Hearing and are not the accused/registered owner you must complete the Authorization to Act as an Agent form, signed by the accused/registered owner.
  • Alternate formats, communication supports and accommodations are available. For more information, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@cambridge.ca or (519) 623-1340 Ext. 4292.
  • Hearing Officer’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
  • Payment Deadline: If the amount owing from the Screening Officer’s decision is not paid within 15 days of the due date, additional administrative fees will apply.
  • Interpreter Services: The City does not provide language interpreters. If you require one, you must arrange and provide your own.
  • Failure to Appear: If you do not attend your scheduled Hearing Officer Review, a $50.00 administrative fee will be added to your penalty.
  • Arrival Time: Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled review. If attending virtually, you will be placed in a waiting room until your matter is called. The full process, including wait times, may take up to two hours.
  • Hearing Format: The review is conducted before a Hearing Officer. The City will present its case first, followed by your opportunity to present evidence. Witnesses must give evidence under oath or affirmation.
  • Please bring legible copies of any documents or evidence you wish to have considered during the review.

Below is the general steps taken at a Hearing Review:

  1. Meeting called to order and the Hearing Officer shares opening remarks;
  2. The Hearing Officer will ask the accused what they would like reviewed;
  3. The City will present information pertaining to the file and be able to call witnesses if required;
    • The Accused and Hearing Officer will have an opportunity to ask questions of any witnesses. 
  4. The Accused will present information pertaining to the file and be able to call witnesses if required;
    • The City and the Hearing Officer will have an opportunity to ask questions of any witnesses.
  5. Closing Statements

The Hearing Officer will review all the documents and evidence before making a decision and may:

  1. Cancel the penalty notice, including any administrative fees;
  2. Confirm the penalty notice, including any administrative fees;
  3. Modify the amount owed, including any administrative fees; and
  4. Extend time for payment of the penalty notice, including any administrative fees

If you require assistance with requesting a Hearing, please email tickets@cambridge.ca or call (519) 623-1340 ext. 7926.

If you don’t select one of the options on the back of a penalty notice (ticket) within the required time, additional fees may apply. Penalties and fees are payable to the City of Cambridge. If they remain unpaid, they may be added to your property tax bill, sent to collections, or—if it’s a parking violation—reported to the Ministry of Transportation.