Region collects $7.5 million in default fines
York Region credits improved processes and enforcement options for successfully collecting $7.5 million in default fines last year, a 10 per cent increase over the fees collected in 2023.
Those numbers are according to Report of the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel Collection of Provincial Offences Act Defaulted Fines Update recently received by York Regional Council. To improve Court Services operations, Regional Council also approved an adjustment to the Region’s default fine fee, ensuring collection of defaulted fines operates through cost recovery of the program.
Throughout 2025, York Region reports it will “continue advancing modernization strategies to further optimize the collections program.” That includes a “more targeted approach” to collection practices, improving defendant contact information and further streamlining enforcement processes.
Effective January 1, 2026, York Region’s default fine fee will increase by $23 to support collections program cost recovery. That will bring York Region’s total default fine fees to $88, which includes the provincially-legislated $40 default fee and aligns with the fee structures of several other Provincial Offences Act courts across Ontario.
“In addition to implementing local enhancements, York Region continues promoting legislative amendments and new policies through the Ministry of Attorney General Collections Innovation Committee,” says Township of King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, chair of Finance and Administration. “Collaborating with other levels of government, we are developing more adaptable and effective collection methods to ensure every fine is paid in a timely manner, avoiding unnecessary additional expenses on default fines.”
On average, about 15 per cent of fines are not paid on time, according to the Region. York Region Court Services is responsible for collecting on default fines through various collection methods. In 2024, 30,086 fines – 13 per cent of charges filed – went into default.
The Provincial Offences Act gives defendants charged with an offence three options: pay the fine, dispute the charge through walk-in guilty process or request a trial. If a defendant fails to choose one of these options or fails to pay the fine imposed by the court, the fine goes into default.
In rare instances and in accordance with Ministry directives and guidelines, certain defaulted fines may be deemed uncollectable and appropriate for administrative write-off. In such cases, a defendant is never absolved from the requirement to pay a fine as debts to the Crown are owed in perpetuity. Accordingly, collection activities related to written-off accounts can be reinstated if conditions change.
To maintain the integrity of the justice system, every effort is made to collect court-ordered fines, York Region reports, including notices informing people who owe fines about their outstanding debts; using measures such as suspending licenses or denying vehicle plates to encourage payment; adding unpaid fines to property tax bills to ensure they are paid; and using legal methods to collect fines when possible, including hiring specialized agencies to collect unpaid fines or garnishing wages. Information about the payment of fines can be found at york.ca/courts.
“York Region’s Provincial Offences Court is a crucial part of the Provincial justice system providing administrative services to over 30 law enforcement and regulatory agencies,” says York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “Primary responsibilities include administrative support of all Provincial Offences Act proceedings for charges issued and prosecuted in York Region, along with cases before the Ontario Court of Justice and enforcing and collecting court-ordered fines, costs, surcharges and fees.”
York Region Provincial Offences Courts oversee non-criminal matters such as traffic violations, municipal bylaws, environmental offences and public health violations. More than 197,000 people sought assistance from Court Services in 2024, representing a 23 per cent increase from 2023. In 2024, York Region Court Services received about 40,000 trial requests, representing a 20 per cent dispute rate. Trial courts addressed 71,549 matters in 2024, a slight increase from 2023.
Photo: York Region’s Provincial Offences Court. (Photo courtesy of York Region)