You just got a ticket. Here's what to do.
- 1Don't pay it yet. You have the right to dispute ANY ticket. Paying it = admitting guilt. Take a breath.
- 2Check the deadline. Look at the ticket for the "early resolution" or "due date." Write it down. Set a phone alarm for 5 days before.
- 3Request a screening meeting. Call the London POA Court: 519-661-2500 ext. 0. Say: "I'd like to request a screening meeting for my ticket." This is your right. It's informal. A prosecutor will talk to you and often reduces the fine.
- 4If you can't afford the fine at all, ask for a time-to-pay extension at the same call. They cannot jail you for not paying a provincial offence fine in Ontario.
- 5Get free legal advice. Call CLSM: 519-672-2708 (free for low-income). Or Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258.
- 6Use TicketShield to build your full appeal. Open TicketShield →
Your fine is about to double. Act NOW.
- 1Call the POA Court RIGHT NOW: 519-661-2500 ext. 0. Say: "My fine is about to double and I can't afford to pay before the deadline. I need a time-to-pay extension." They must consider your request.
- 2If they say no, say: "I'd like to request a screening meeting." This pauses the clock. A screening meeting lets you negotiate the fine down.
- 3If you're on fixed income, mention it explicitly. Doubling fines on people who get paid monthly is discriminatory against a protected class. The Ombudsman has a file on this.
- 4Use the Letter Generator tab to create a formal time-to-pay request right now. Print it. Bring it to court.
- 5REMEMBER: You cannot be jailed for not paying a provincial offence fine in Ontario. The fine doubling is a penalty, not a criminal matter. You have options.
You need food. That comes first.
- 1London Food Bank: 926 Leathorne St. Call 519-434-1678. Free groceries. No judgment. Bring ID if you have it, but they won't turn you away.
- 2Ark Aid Street Mission: 696 Dundas St. Meals served daily. 519-434-2585.
- 3Mission Services of London: 459 York St. Meals + food hampers. 519-433-3461.
- 4Ontario Works Emergency Assistance: 519-661-0100. Even if you're not on OW, you can apply for emergency financial assistance if you have no money for food.
- 5Salvation Army London: Emergency financial assistance for food, rent, utilities. 519-433-4451.
- 6Deal with the fine AFTER you eat. Call the POA Court (519-661-2500) for a time-to-pay extension. Your right to eat is not negotiable.
You have a disability. You have EXTRA rights.
- 1ODSP Discretionary Benefits: If you're on ODSP, you may be eligible for discretionary benefits to cover the fine or related emergency costs. Call your ODSP caseworker. If you don't have the number, call 519-661-0100.
- 2Human Rights Code s.11: If the fine or the bylaw disproportionately affects you because of your disability, that may be discrimination. The requirement must accommodate your disability unless it would cause undue hardship.
- 3AODA Protections: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requires all government services (including courts) to be accessible. If the process of paying or fighting the fine is inaccessible, say so.
- 4Use the Letter Generator to create a disability accommodation letter. Mention your disability (you don't need to give details), cite the Human Rights Code, and request accommodation.
- 5Free legal help: CLSM: 519-672-2708. They specialize in helping people with disabilities navigate the legal system. Free.
- 6Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: If you believe the bylaw or fine is discriminatory, you can file a complaint. 1-800-668-9938. There's no filing fee.
You're on fixed income. The system is stacked against you.
- 1The doubling trap is real. If your fine doubles 15 days after issue but your next payday isn't for 30 days, the system is punishing you for being poor. This is a known equity issue — the Ontario Ombudsman has a file on it.
- 2Call the POA Court immediately: 519-661-2500 ext. 0. Say: "I am on a fixed income. My next payment arrives on [date]. I need a time-to-pay extension to avoid the doubling penalty." They must consider your financial circumstances.
- 3Veterans: Call the Veterans Emergency Fund: 1-866-522-2122. The VEF can cover emergency costs including fines that threaten housing or food security.
- 4OAS/GIS recipients: Contact Service Canada 1-800-277-7283 about emergency benefits or contact Ontario Works at 519-661-0100 for emergency assistance — you may qualify even if you receive OAS.
- 5Request community service in lieu of fine. Ontario allows this. You work off the fine instead of paying it. Ask the POA Court or your screening meeting prosecutor.
- 6If this fine is causing a cascade (can't pay rent, can't pay utilities), see the Resources tab for housing and utility emergency help.
Free legal help in London. It exists.
- 1Community Legal Services of Middlesex (CLSM): 519-672-2708. 241 Simcoe St, London. FREE legal help for low-income residents. They handle bylaw matters, tenant issues, disability, human rights. Call them first.
- 2Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258. May cover legal costs depending on your income and the nature of the charge.
- 3Pro Bono Ontario: 1-855-453-8876. Free legal advice by phone. 30-minute consultations with a real lawyer.
- 4Western University Community Legal Services: Law students supervised by lawyers. Free. Located at Western campus. Call CLSM for referral information.
- 5You can also self-represent. For POA matters (bylaw tickets), self-representation is common and the court is designed for it. A screening meeting doesn't require a lawyer.
- 6Use TicketShield to prepare your full appeal package, even without a lawyer. Open TicketShield →
Immediate Emergency Help
Same day or next day assistance
Ontario Works — Emergency Assistance
Emergency financial assistance for anyone in crisis. Even if you're not currently on OW, you can apply for emergency help for food, shelter, and essential costs.
ODSP Discretionary Benefits
If you're on ODSP, discretionary benefits can cover emergency costs that your regular benefits don't. This includes unexpected fines or fees that threaten your stability.
Salvation Army London
Emergency financial assistance for rent, food, utilities, and other essential costs. Walk-in and phone intake available.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Emergency financial assistance, food vouchers, and essential items. Catholic charity but serves everyone regardless of faith.
London Food Bank
Free groceries. If the fine ate your food budget, come here first. No one should go hungry because of a bylaw ticket.
Ark Aid Street Mission
Meals served daily. Emergency shelter referrals. Outreach services for anyone in crisis.
Mission Services of London
Meals, food hampers, and support services. Men's mission, women's mission, and community food programs.
Free Legal Help
You don't need money to fight back
Community Legal Services of Middlesex (CLSM)
FREE legal help for low-income residents of London and Middlesex County. Handles bylaw matters, tenant issues, disability rights, human rights complaints, and more. Your first call.
Legal Aid Ontario
Province-wide legal aid. May cover legal costs depending on income and charge type. Income-tested but the threshold is reasonable.
Pro Bono Ontario
Free 30-minute legal consultations by phone with a licensed lawyer. No income test for the initial consultation.
Western University Community Legal Services
Law students supervised by licensed lawyers. Free legal assistance. Located at Western campus. CLSM can provide current intake info.
Fee Waiver & Reduction Programs
Ways to reduce or eliminate the fine
POA Court — Screening Meeting
Request a screening meeting with the prosecutor BEFORE your trial. This is informal and often results in a reduced fine, dropped charges, or alternative arrangements. You don't need a lawyer.
Fine Reduction — Financial Hardship
You can submit a financial hardship claim to the POA Court. Bring proof of income (pay stubs, OW/ODSP statements, pension statements). The Justice of the Peace can reduce fines.
Time-to-Pay Application
Request an extension to pay your fine. The court can set up a payment plan. Call before the deadline passes. This can prevent your fine from doubling.
Community Service in Lieu of Fine
Ontario allows community service hours instead of paying a fine. The court can order this as an alternative. Ask at your screening meeting or trial.
Utility & Housing Emergency
If the fine caused a cascade into rent or utilities
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Emergency help with electricity and natural gas bills. If you're behind on utilities because the fine ate your budget, LEAP can help prevent disconnection.
Housing Stability Bank
Help with rent arrears and housing emergency costs. Interest-free loans for rent deposits or arrears to prevent eviction.
London & Middlesex Community Housing
Affordable and subsidized housing. If your housing situation is at risk, get on the waitlist and access emergency supports.
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
Ongoing monthly credit on your electricity bill if you're low-income. Reduces your bill by $30–$75/month depending on household size and income.
Disability-Specific Resources
Extra protections and programs
ODSP Discretionary Benefits
Emergency funds for ODSP recipients for costs not covered by regular benefits. Talk to your caseworker about covering fine-related emergency expenses.
Human Rights Code s.11 — Adverse Effect Discrimination
If a bylaw or fine system disproportionately affects people with disabilities, it may violate the Ontario Human Rights Code. You can raise this at your screening meeting or file a complaint with the HRTO.
AODA Compliance Complaints
If the process of paying or fighting a fine is inaccessible (no online option, inaccessible court, no accommodation offered), file an AODA complaint.
Fixed Income, Pension & Veterans
Specific programs for those on fixed incomes
Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF)
Emergency financial help for veterans and their families. Covers food, shelter, clothing, medical, and other emergency costs including fines that threaten stability.
OAS/GIS Emergency Provisions
Service Canada can advise on emergency benefits for OAS/GIS recipients facing financial hardship. Contact them about your situation.
CPP Disability Recipients
If you receive CPP Disability and face a fine emergency, contact Service Canada about additional supports and Ontario Works for emergency top-up assistance.
Fine Doubling Trap Calculator
Will your fine double before your next payday?
YOUR FINE WILL DOUBLE BEFORE YOUR NEXT PAYDAY
Your fine becomes:
Days until deadline:
Days until your next payday:
The gap: Your fine doubles days BEFORE you get paid.
- 1Call the POA Court RIGHT NOW: 519-661-2500 ext. 0. Say: "I need a time-to-pay extension. My fine doubles before my next payday."
- 2Request a screening meeting. This pauses the process and lets you negotiate the fine down.
- 3Use the Letter Generator to create a formal time-to-pay request with your exact financial details.
- 4This is a systemic equity issue. Doubling fines on people who are paid monthly is discriminatory against a protected class (fixed-income recipients). The Ontario Ombudsman has a file on this. You can mention this at your screening meeting.
TIGHT — YOUR PAYDAY IS CLOSE TO THE DEADLINE
Your fine could become if you miss the deadline.
Days until deadline:
Days until your next payday:
Margin: Only days between payday and deadline.
- 1Set an alarm for the day after your payday. Pay the fine that day if you're going to pay it.
- 2Consider a screening meeting anyway. You might get the fine reduced. Call: 519-661-2500 ext. 0
- 3If the fine will strain your budget, check the Resources tab for emergency help.
YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PAY BEFORE IT DOUBLES
Your next payday () arrives days before the fine doubles.
Fine amount:
- 1Still consider fighting it. You have the right to a screening meeting where the fine could be reduced or dropped. Call: 519-661-2500 ext. 0
- 2If the fine will affect your budget, use TicketShield to build your appeal: Open TicketShield →
YOUR DEADLINE HAS ALREADY PASSED
The deadline was days ago. Your fine may have already doubled.
- 1It's not too late. Call the POA Court: 519-661-2500 ext. 0. Ask what your current balance is and request options.
- 2You can still fight the original ticket. Request a trial. The right to dispute doesn't disappear because the deadline passed.
- 3Request community service in lieu of payment if you can't afford the doubled amount.
Letter Generator
Print-ready letters for the court. Fill in your details, print, and bring.
Financial Hardship
Fine Reduction
Fine Reduction
Time-to-Pay
Extension
Extension
Disability
Accommodation
Accommodation
Ombudsman
Complaint
Complaint
Know Your Rights
What the system doesn't want you to know
You ALWAYS have the right to dispute a ticket
Every single ticket issued in Ontario can be challenged. You don't need a lawyer. You don't need money. You just need to show up and say "not guilty" or request a screening meeting. The court must hear you.
Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, Part I & Part II
You can request a screening meeting
Before your trial, you have the right to a screening meeting with the prosecutor. It's informal. You don't need a lawyer. This is where most fines get reduced, withdrawn, or renegotiated. Ask for one.
POA Court administrative process — available to all defendants
You can request time to pay
The court can grant you more time to pay a fine, including a payment plan. This is especially important if the fine would otherwise double. Call BEFORE the deadline: 519-661-2500 ext. 0.
Provincial Offences Act, s. 66
You cannot be jailed for not paying a fine
In Ontario, non-payment of a provincial offence fine cannot result in imprisonment. They can send it to collections, suspend your driver's licence, or deny plate renewal — but they cannot jail you. Don't let fear of jail stop you from fighting.
Provincial Offences Act, s. 69 (imprisonment for fine default repealed)
Financial hardship IS a valid consideration
When sentencing (setting the fine amount), a Justice of the Peace must consider your ability to pay. If the fine would cause financial hardship, say so clearly and bring proof of your income. The JP can reduce the fine.
Provincial Offences Act, s. 59(2) — court shall consider ability to pay
Disability IS a protected ground
If a bylaw, fine, or enforcement process disproportionately affects you because of your disability, that may constitute adverse effect discrimination. You have the right to accommodation to the point of undue hardship.
Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, ss. 1, 9, 11
Doubling fines on fixed-income recipients is a systemic equity issue
If you're paid monthly (OAS, ODSP, CPP, veteran's pension) and the fine doubles after 15 days, the system is penalizing you for your payment schedule — which you don't control. This disproportionately affects pensioners, people with disabilities, and the poorest Ontarians. The Ontario Ombudsman has been notified of this issue.
Ontario Human Rights Code, s. 11 — constructive discrimination; Ombudsman Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.6
Community service can replace a fine
Ontario courts can order community service hours instead of a fine payment. If you can't afford to pay, this is a legitimate alternative. Raise it at your screening meeting or sentencing.
Provincial Offences Act, s. 59
You can file a complaint with the Ontario Ombudsman
If you believe a municipal bylaw, enforcement practice, or fine structure is unfair or discriminatory, the Ontario Ombudsman investigates complaints about municipal government. It's free. 1-800-263-0076.
Ombudsman Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.6 — municipal jurisdiction since 2016
You can file a Human Rights complaint — free
If the bylaw or fine system discriminates against you based on a protected ground (disability, receipt of public assistance, age, etc.), you can file with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. There is no filing fee. 1-800-668-9938.
Ontario Human Rights Code, ss. 34-35 — Application to Tribunal