Fort Erie residents fined for tampering with water meter

Brent Jones
October 19, 2025 at 5:52 AM

Two Fort Erie residents are facing thousands of dollars in fines after town officials say they tampered with a residential water meter in the Dominion Road area.

According to a Town of Fort Erie news release issued Friday, the town’s bylaw enforcement and water and wastewater teams laid 16 administrative monetary penalty system (AMPS) charges following an investigation that took place between August 16 and September 27.

The residents now face about $6,400 in fines.

Town officials said the tampering violates Bylaw No. 66-2016, which prohibits any person from “interfering with, obstructing, concealing or preventing access to any municipal or private fire hydrant, valve, water meter or related equipment.”

Each offence carries a minimum fine of $400.

“This investigation serves as a reminder that tampering with water meters or other components of the municipal water system is a serious offence,” the town said in the release.

The bylaw further states that “no person shall wilfully waste water or permit water to be wasted by imperfect or leaking stops, valves, pipes, tanks or other fixtures.”

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or possible bylaw violations, including water meter interference, to bylawenforcement@forterie.ca. The town says all reports are confidential.