FORT ERIE (January 25, 2021) On January 21, 2021, Town of Fort Erie Bylaw Enforcement received information about a licensed short-term rental property operating contrary to a provincial emergency order regulation, where there was an active homicide investigation by the Niagara Regional Police Services (NRPS).

Working parallel to a police investigation, Fort Erie Bylaw Enforcement conducted its own investigation into whether or not the short-term rental operator was allowed to rent to these individuals under the current Provincial Orders.

“Due to the severity of the situation, we wanted to act quickly while respecting the boundaries of an open police investigation for a very serious crime. We proceeded with our investigation and gathered all necessary evidence to substantiate the charge once we knew we wouldn’t interfere with the NRPS investigation,” said Paul Chudoba, Law Enforcement Coordinator.

On January 22, 2021, Fort Erie By-law Enforcement laid charges under Part III of the Provincial Offences Act for providing “a short-term rental accommodation to individuals other than individuals in need of housing”. 

The matter is currently before the courts and no further information about it can be provided at this time.

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