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CTV News
24-05-2025
- CTV News
Toronto man discovers $1,500 Hwy. 407 bill after criminals duplicated his licence plate
Man warns drivers after licence plate duplicated and used in several crimes including an expensive Highway 407 bill. Camilo Sanchez was at home last Tuesday night when two Toronto police detectives knocked at his door, flashed their badges at him and informed him the licence plates to his white 2018 Dodge Durango had been duplicated. The 33-year-old maintenance company owner said he couldn't believe what he was hearing. 'Then they told me that it's been used in violent crimes and theft around the city,' Sanchez recounted, adding he then answered a few questions to confirm he wasn't the suspect wanted in these alleged crimes and reviewed photos of the suspect vehicle that looked eerily similar to his own. A spokesperson for Toronto Police Service confirmed Sanchez's plates had in fact been duplicated but would not provide further comment due to the active investigation. After the detectives finished their line of questioning, Sanchez said he was told that he would need to get brand new plates at ServiceOntario, which cost $59. 'The next day I decided to go, and I was told by a lady behind the desk that there's nothing that she could do. I asked her, 'What's the problem?'' Sanchez told CTV News Toronto in an interview on Wednesday. 'She says that I have a 407 bill that's over $1,500 and I was honestly shocked.' Sanchez says he uses the 407 ETR every now and then but no trip has ever amounted to $1,508.42 for him. Plus, Sanchez says he regularly pays off the bills for the tolled highway. The 407 bill An image of the Hwy. 407 ETR bill Camilo Sanchez received after learning his licence plates had been duplicated. 'I was thrown by that,' Sanchez said, adding ServiceOntario would not issue him new licence plates until he paid off the charge. He says he offered the police report number to the desk worker, hoping she could provide some sort of resolution but was ultimately denied. Sanchez says he then turned to the 407 to see what they could do about the extenuating bill but was again hit with another roadblock. 'I called up the 407 and the lady on the phone said the same thing, 'My hands are tied. I need a physical report,'' Sanchez said. The Ministry of Transportation's office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that, per the Highway Traffic Act, the tolled highway can make a request for the ministry to deny a licence plate renewal should there be an unpaid bill at the time of renewal—or in Sanchez's case, at the time of ordering new plates. The ministry adds defaulted fines must also be paid in full prior to getting a new or personalized licence plate, as well as renewing a vehicle's permit. 'Should fraudulent activity occur with a licence plate (e.g. someone fraudulently manufactured duplicate plates), they would need to report this to then police and provide this information to the 407 ETR,' the email reads. 'If they are satisfied, the 407 ETR will request the denial to be removed from ministry records, allowing the individual to proceed with their renewal or issuance of new plates.' But Sanchez says he did not get that from police, just the report number tied to his case. 'The detectives never gave me a physical report, they didn't even tell me what to do,' Sanchez said. 'I'm trying to figure everything out on my own here.' After sharing his story to TikTok and getting some guidance from others, Sanchez went to Toronto Police headquarters last Friday but was told that he would have to wait up to 30 days for the report, which cost him $67. Luckily, by Friday afternoon the ordeal had come to an end after 407 agreed to waive the outstanding toll payments. CTV News Toronto spoke with Sanchez and he confirmed that he was told the waived fees would take about five business days to reflect online, after which he will finally be able to obtain his new plates. 'We've been in touch with the customer about this. It seems there was a misunderstanding of where the charges were coming from on the part of the customer. We've resolved the issue with the customer,' a spokesperson for 407 ETR said in an emailed statement. The 407 said they have started tracking the number of duplicated licence plates on its own as of spring 2024, so they can understand how prevalent this issue is. 'Fortunately, duplicated plates remain rare for our customers. This year, we have investigated 31 cases of duplication compared to a total of 1087 lost or stolen plates,' the email reads. All governing bodies contacted for this story urge any Ontarian who believes their plate has been duplicated to contact the authorities and return their plates to the transportation ministry. 'We also recommend that if your transponder has been stolen or gone missing to reach out to us to avoid any fraudulent charges,' the 407 said. The 407 also requires either the full police report or the MTO Declaration Report to confirm the impacted licence plate number and the date the report was filed before they can assist any driver. Under the Highway Traffic Act, those who use licence plates that are not authorized for their vehicle can incur a $140 fine.
CTV News
24-05-2025
- CTV News
Toronto man discovers $1,500 Hwy. 407 bill after criminals duplicated his licence plate
Man warns drivers after licence plate duplicated and used in several crimes including an expensive Highway 407 bill. Camilo Sanchez was at home last Tuesday night when two Toronto police detectives knocked at his door, flashed their badges at him and informed him the licence plates to his white 2018 Dodge Durango had been duplicated. The 33-year-old maintenance company owner said he couldn't believe what he was hearing. 'Then they told me that it's been used in violent crimes and theft around the city,' Sanchez recounted, adding he then answered a few questions to confirm he wasn't the suspect wanted in these alleged crimes and reviewed photos of the suspect vehicle that looked eerily similar to his own. A spokesperson for Toronto Police Service confirmed Sanchez's plates had in fact been duplicated but would not provide further comment due to the active investigation. After the detectives finished their line of questioning, Sanchez said he was told that he would need to get brand new plates at ServiceOntario, which cost $59. 'The next day I decided to go, and I was told by a lady behind the desk that there's nothing that she could do. I asked her, 'What's the problem?'' Sanchez told CTV News Toronto in an interview on Wednesday. 'She says that I have a 407 bill that's over $1,500 and I was honestly shocked.' Sanchez says he uses the 407 ETR every now and then but no trip has ever amounted to $1,508.42 for him. Plus, Sanchez says he regularly pays off the bills for the tolled highway. The 407 bill An image of the Hwy. 407 ETR bill Camilo Sanchez received after learning his licence plates had been duplicated. 'I was thrown by that,' Sanchez said, adding ServiceOntario would not issue him new licence plates until he paid off the charge. He says he offered the police report number to the desk worker, hoping she could provide some sort of resolution but was ultimately denied. Sanchez says he then turned to the 407 to see what they could do about the extenuating bill but was again hit with another roadblock. 'I called up the 407 and the lady on the phone said the same thing, 'My hands are tied. I need a physical report,'' Sanchez said. The Ministry of Transportation's office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that, per the Highway Traffic Act, the tolled highway can make a request for the ministry to deny a licence plate renewal should there be an unpaid bill at the time of renewal—or in Sanchez's case, at the time of ordering new plates. The ministry adds defaulted fines must also be paid in full prior to getting a new or personalized licence plate, as well as renewing a vehicle's permit. 'Should fraudulent activity occur with a licence plate (e.g. someone fraudulently manufactured duplicate plates), they would need to report this to then police and provide this information to the 407 ETR,' the email reads. 'If they are satisfied, the 407 ETR will request the denial to be removed from ministry records, allowing the individual to proceed with their renewal or issuance of new plates.' But Sanchez says he did not get that from police, just the report number tied to his case. 'The detectives never gave me a physical report, they didn't even tell me what to do,' Sanchez said. 'I'm trying to figure everything out on my own here.' After sharing his story to TikTok and getting some guidance from others, Sanchez went to Toronto Police headquarters last Friday but was told that he would have to wait up to 30 days for the report, which cost him $67. Luckily, by Friday afternoon the ordeal had come to an end after 407 agreed to waive the outstanding toll payments. CTV News Toronto spoke with Sanchez and he confirmed that he was told the waived fees would take about five business days to reflect online, after which he will finally be able to obtain his new plates. 'We've been in touch with the customer about this. It seems there was a misunderstanding of where the charges were coming from on the part of the customer. We've resolved the issue with the customer,' a spokesperson for 407 ETR said in an emailed statement. The 407 said they have started tracking the number of duplicated licence plates on its own as of spring 2024, so they can understand how prevalent this issue is. 'Fortunately, duplicated plates remain rare for our customers. This year, we have investigated 31 cases of duplication compared to a total of 1087 lost or stolen plates,' the email reads. All governing bodies contacted for this story urge any Ontarian who believes their plate has been duplicated to contact the authorities and return their plates to the transportation ministry. 'We also recommend that if your transponder has been stolen or gone missing to reach out to us to avoid any fraudulent charges,' the 407 said. The 407 also requires either the full police report or the MTO Declaration Report to confirm the impacted licence plate number and the date the report was filed before they can assist any driver. Under the Highway Traffic Act, those who use licence plates that are not authorized for their vehicle can incur a $140 fine.
CTV News
22-05-2025
- CTV News
Here's what you need to know about new ‘enhanced security measures' at Ottawa City Hall
People visiting Ottawa City Hall to renew a driver's licence and health card, pay a water bill, watch a council meeting or meet with elected officials will soon have to pass through a metal detector to enter the building. The City of Ottawa will introduce 'enhanced security measures' at City Hall on Laurier Avenue West, starting on Monday. The city says all visitors will 'have their bags screened' and will be required to go through a metal detector, similar to security at professional sports venues, before entering the building. Ottawa City Hall is home to a ServiceOntario centre and an Ottawa Client Service Centre, meaning visitors to the two service counters will be required to pass through security before entering. CTV News Ottawa looks at what you need to know about the new security measures at Ottawa City Hall. Why is the city introducing 'enhanced security measures' at City Hall? 'Over the years, security risks and incidents have evolved, resulting in various levels of government updating their security procedures for entry into their administrative and legislative centres,' the city said in a media release last Friday. 'As a result, the city will be adopting security screening measures, which is a best practice model that it is currently in place in other public-facing government buildings in the national capital region, as well as at City Hall buildings in Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal.' Entering Ottawa City Hall Ottawa City Hall will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. The city says all visitors will be asked to use the Laurier Avenue West or Lisgar Street entrances, where security screening will be set up. On weekends, you will only be able to enter Ottawa City Hall through the Laurier Avenue entrance. Security screening When you arrive at Ottawa City Hall, you will be required to have your bag screened and to pass through a metal detector. The city says during the security screening process, visitors will be required to: Place coats, cellphones, laptops, purses, bags and anything in your pocket onto a tray for X-ray screening. Visitors will then be asked to walk through a metal detector. Prohibited items The City of Ottawa says to avoid any delays at the entrances, visitors should not carry any of these prohibited items: Sharp objects, blades or tools Compressed gas cylinders, aerosol cans, or powders Explosive or flammable items Weapons, including toy replicas Noisemakers, megaphones or air horns Large placards or signs (that are not made of cardboard or cloth Current security measures In 2020, the city introduced security measures to enter Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall for committee and council meetings. Security access gates were installed at the two entrances, and security started inspecting purses, bags and coats before visitors passed through the gates. Entering through the parking garage The City of Ottawa says the parking garage at City Hall will continue to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On weekends, visitors entering City Hall from the parking garage by elevator are required to use the elevators on the Laurier Avenue West side of the building.
Ottawa Citizen
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
Hersh: New security measures at Ottawa City Hall are excessive
Late last Friday afternoon, without any consultation or public meetings and just before a long weekend, the City of Ottawa announced it is enacting sweeping new changes to how residents can access City Hall. Article content Article content A press release relayed the implementation starting May 26 of 'enhanced security measures,' including metal detectors at all entrances and the need to go through security screening. Article content Article content This will mean that even residents needing to access services at Service Ontario such as getting a new health card or driver's licence, getting married or replacing a lost birth certificate will be subject to screening. Article content Even those who need to access City Hall to use one of downtown Ottawa's few public washrooms (there are only 22 of them, according to the GottaGo! campaign) would face these excessive security measures. Article content When I moved to Ottawa almost a decade ago, there were no barriers to enter City Hall. It was open as late as 11 p.m. for people to walk through freely. Many also used the facilities during festivals that would take place in Marion Dewar Plaza, such as the Ottawa Jazz Festival, among others. Article content Historically, City Hall isn't just the seat of our local government. It's also what some would describe as a 'third space,' where people can congregate and connect with others. These new measures severely limit that. Article content Article content And yet, very few incidents, that were cause for concern, if any, occurred. Article content Since the pandemic, however, the doors started closing earlier. Many thought it was just a temporary measure but the opening hours remained extremely limited. Article content In a more charged and even hostile political climate, I can understand concerns around security. But there are already metal detectors at the council chambers, and most of the time, you cannot just waltz into a councillor's office without an appointment. Article content So this prompts the question: What evidence does the City have to implement these sweeping changes and how can they do it without speaking to residents? This is supposed to be our building, after all. It's our dollars that will go into making these unnecessary changes. Article content The City's press release argues that other cities and government buildings are enhancing their security. But this alone should not be enough to close off access. The matter ought to be reconsidered and brought to City Council for public discussion.
CBC
12-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Windsor truckers say new Service Ontario system causing weeks-long delays, costing thousands
Social Sharing Some members of Windsor's trucking industry say changes to the administration of Ontario's international registration plan (IRP) program, which allows commercial trucks to cross the U.S. and provincial borders, has led to weeks-long delays — costing them tens of thousands of dollars and making even more stressful a period of economic uncertainty brought on by U.S. tariffs. The province transferred the program to Service Ontario, effective March 3, according to its website. It commits to delivering credentials within five days when applications involve 10 or fewer trucks. But one owner-operator who applied for new plates at the end of February said he still hasn't received them — and he has lost at least $20,000 worth of work as a result. "I have a truck and trailer that they parked now almost for three months, and I'm broke; I have no money to survive or to do anything" Hocine Hamimed said. "I went to work in a warehouse just moving chairs and things like that. … [the people running the IRP program] have no responsibility. They don't care." The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement between some Canadian provinces and U.S. states that allows vehicles to travel between participating provinces and states with one licence plate and registration document. Trucking companies losing money, drivers Those who are not registered with the IRP must purchase trip permits to travel outside Ontario. The owner of one company that transports produce from Windsor-Essex across Canada and the U.S. said he's tried to register nine new vehicles since the transition. More than 60 days later, Marden Buerhan is still waiting to complete the process for seven of them. That's costing him both business and money, said Buerhan, who runs Etlas Freight. "Each truck — the payment itself is between $4,000 to $5,000 … per month," he said. "And the drivers – I hired [a] first crew of drivers … They waited two weeks, and the third week, they come to the office, they said, 'Listen, I cannot wait too long. I have to keep going for another job.' They left. I hired another second crew of drivers. Same thing. They left. So, this process … is also, yes, time consuming and [costs] money." Prior to the transition to Service Ontario, applications to register new trucks or renew existing ones were handled by a local IRP office, typically within three to five business days, said Colleen Breault, the certified director of safety and compliance for CB Safety Services, a safety and compliance consultancy that handles a lot of IRP applications for trucking companies. Now, companies must apply through a central department then book an appointment at their local office through a central web portal once their invoices come through. "I went onto the portal," Breault said. "There is unequivocally no dates available now in Windsor." The province says the move to Service Ontario is part of modernization initiatives designed to make services easier. Province grants extension Her only other options are to mail in her original documents, hoping they don't get lost, or book an appointment with the office in London, she said. Meanwhile, Brault waited more than six weeks to renew a fleet of vehicles that were due to expire at the end of March, she said. The province has now issued an extension to truckers with plates that expire between March 31 and May 31; those plates will remain valid until June 30. Breault said she has called Service Ontario to check on the status of her applications but found the agents unhelpful. "[T]hey can tell you, 'Yes, we received your application. No, it has not been assigned to a process agent. Please just be patient with us'" she said. "It's almost, like, scripted." Lately, she said, she has been reaching out to Essex Progressive Conservative MPP Anthony Leardi to get help moving her applications along. Buerhan, of Etlas Freight, sent a representative to the Service Ontario office in Toronto to see if he could expedite their applications, he said. "There was one gentleman sitting there, and they told him, 'Do not come here; just communicate with us online. We cannot help you,'" he said. Hamimed, the owner-operator currently working in a warehouse, said he too tried to visit the Service Ontario office in Toronto but all the staff person did was tell him they were doing their best. Buerhan has sent messages to Service Ontario officials expressing his frustration, he said. 'This is hurting our business, hurting our industry' "I told him this is hurting our business now, hurting our industry," he said. "I said, we were fighting with this tariff situation. And now, the economy is bad, and now you guys are dragging this thing." Breault agreed that the industry already has enough to deal with without the IRP problems. "We know of a lot of trucking companies that are closing their doors already just because of the volatility that we're in with our economic environment, let alone having one more added upheaval that we need to go through in a not-well-thought-out program," she said. CBC News asked the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement for a response to the business-owners complaints, as well as Minister Stephen Crawford why the change was made and what, if anything, the province intends to do to address the concerns. Crawford's spokesperson, Matthew D'Amico replied by email that, " [t]his initiative is part of our government's work to modernize services and make it easier for carriers to meet their vehicle registration needs in one convenient visit." D'Amico also reiterated that the province is offering a registration extension for plates expiring before May 31.
