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Position overview

Hearing Officer – Administrative Penalty System (Independent Contractor)

The City of Ottawa is recruiting the position of Council-appointed Hearing Officer as outlined in the Administrative Penalty System (APS) provincial regulations (O. Reg 333/07  and O. Reg 355/22). This position provides an independent review of the decision made by a Screening Officer as outlined in the APS program for parking contraventions and prescribed camera-related contraventions. The Hearing Officer is an independent external contract position established in accordance with the Administrative Penalty System Appointment By-Law of the City of Ottawa and is not a City employee position. The City will establish a pool of qualified Hearing Officers who may be appointed into such role from time to time by Council as required.

Applicants must be familiar with municipal law and adjudicative processes as they will be responsible for reviewing decisions and determining whether to affirm, reduce or cancel the penalty decisions and/or extend the time to pay or provide a payment plan. While the initial APS By-law focuses on parking offences, the City plans to expand APS for automated speed enforcement and red-light camera contraventions and potentially explore other types of By-Law contraventions that may be administered through APS in the future.

All decisions made by Hearing Officers will be deemed final and binding. Hearings will be held in person at 100 Constellation Drive, Nepean, ON, however, accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis to hold hearings virtually or over the phone.

Hearing Officers must have the flexibility to provide services on a part-time basis, approximately 2-3 days per week or 6-12 days per month, during business hours on weekdays.  Hearings will begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish no later than 4:30 p.m . Hearing Officers are not guaranteed to work a minimum number of hearings per week and staff will work with each individual to determine availability.

Term of Office

  • Hearing Officers shall be appointed for a designated period recommended by City staff to Council and subject to their terms and conditions.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct procedurally fair hearings in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act and the APS By-Laws for the City of Ottawa
  • Issue oral and written decisions in accordance with the APS By-Laws, including decisions on whether to affirm, reduce, or cancel administrative penalties. In addition, consideration will be given on whether to extend the time to pay or provide a payment plan
  • Ensure decisions are made in accordance with associated by-laws, policies, procedures and guidelines
  • Ensure that decisions are independent and free of outside influence

Remuneration

The Administrative Penalty System Hearing Officers will receive the following remuneration:

  • A full-day remuneration of $500
  • A half-day remuneration (3.5 hours or less) of $350

Hearing Officers will not be reimbursed for their transportation or parking costs.

Eligibility criteria and qualifications

Eligibility Criteria

Hearing Officers must satisfy the eligibility requirements as stated in the APS Appointment By-law. 

Hearing Officers:

  • Cannot be a member of Council
  • Cannot be a spouse, child or parent of a member of Council
  • Cannot be an employee of the City of Ottawa
  • Cannot be a person indebted to the City other than
    • In respect of current real property taxes
    • Pursuant to an agreement with the City the terms with which the person is in compliance

Qualifications

  • Preferably a member of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR)  and/or the Law Society of Ontario (LSO)
  • Preference will be given to those proficient in both English and French for oral, reading and writing in accordance with the Bilingual Policy
  • Formal post-secondary education in Law Enforcement, Regulatory Law, Public Administration, Paralegal or related field and/or have an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in adjudicative processes, including conducting trials or hearings for Provincial tribunals or courts
  • Experience in interpreting and applying appropriate legislation, including Municipal by-laws, the Municipal Act, the Provincial Offences Act and the Statutory Powers Procedure Act
  • Formal training and experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution
  • Demonstrated knowledge in use of computer software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and/or case management systems
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentation) and highly effective leadership and facilitation abilities
  • Ability to formulate reasoned decisions and communicate them clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing and to deal courteously and effectively with staff, stakeholders, consultants, and the public
  • Committed to ongoing professional development to enhance expertise and remain current in the field
  • Knowledge of access to information and privacy legislation
  • Knowledge and/or experience with the City of Ottawa’s traffic and parking By-law as well as red-light camera and automated speed enforcement APS regulations
  • Sound judgement, tact, fairness, and decorum
  • Demonstrated high ethical standards and integrity
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to work under pressure to ensure timely hearing decisions
  • Respect for access to justice, diversity, and accommodation

Application form

This will be a staged recruitment process throughout this term of Council. The first stage will close December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants will be added to an eligibility list and may be called upon at any time before December 31, 2025 to interview for vacant Hearing Officer positions.

If you are interested in applying, please access the form below. 

Application form - Administrative Penalty System 2025 | City of Ottawa