Searching for Community Legal Services

COVID-19: Services are available remotely. Clients in need of Mediation, Family Law Information, Legal Advice and the Mandatory Information Program can leave a voicemail at 905-735-0010 ext 299 and FLIC staff will return their call ASAP. Clients can also email the local IRC, Chris Love, at chris@axisfamilymediation.com.

A walk-in service where you can find legal and non-legal information about separation and divorce and related family law issues, family justice services, alternative forms of dispute resolution, local community resources and court processes. The program is run cooperatively between the Ministry of the Attorney General, Legal Aid Ontario and AXIS Family Mediation.

Individuals can speak with a court customer service representative, an advice lawyer (for those not in court that day), and an Information and Referral Coordinator (IRC). Each of which are available at designated times to help you understand your family court/family law related needs and to make further referrals to appropriate services.

Provides summary legal advice, legal representation, and public education on legal matters.

Areas of law that the clinic deals with:

• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Workplace Safety and Insurance
• Issues with various government agencies
• Immigration and Refugee matters
• Ontario Works
• Employment Law
• Residential Tenancies Act
• Canada Pension Plan/Income Security Programs
• Consumer and Debt Problems

Can also assist with:

• Advice (free and not income tested)
• Wills and Powers of Attorney
• Advocacy
• Community Organizing
• Public Legal Education and Information
• Law Reform
• Representation before Courts and Tribunals

See website for information and tips on a variety of legal topics.


Satellite locations (by appointment only):

Canadian Mental Health Association
20 Jarvis Street, Fort Erie
Tuesdays

Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold
19 Albert Street West, Thorold
Wednesdays

Port Cares
92 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne
Thursdays

Lighthouse Church
241 Elmwood, Crystal Beach
Thursdays

COVID-19: See website for updates.

Local government office responsible for: administration

• support to the Mayor and Council
• elections
• vital statistics
• lottery licences
• Commissioner for Taking Affidavits and Certification of Documents
• processing requests and coordinating procedures under legislation such as the Local Improvement Act and the Drainage Act
• community recreation facilities and park
• infrastructure services such as water and sewers
• fire protection and prevention
• building permits and inspections and development charges

Provides planning and support services to children and adults with a developmental disability who reside with their families, including:

• program coordination
• assisting families to identify their need for assessment and/or treatment options
• assistance in accessing funding
• support with long-term planning
• access to community resources and information
• supporting families at case conferences (schools, professionals, and other agencies)

Supports individuals who have an intellectual disability develop to their fullest capacity to live, learn, work and participate in the community. Programs include:

• Group living programs
• Host Family Program
• Community supports
• Day programs for adults
• Children's day camps
• Recreation and social programs
• Children and youth recreation programs
• Employment programs
• Leisure activities and trips
• Healthy lifestyle programs for adults, children and families

Responsible for Council Administration; registration of births and deaths (Division Registrar); lottery and business licensing; canine control and licensing, municipal elections, and the handling of requests for information under the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The City Clerk is also a commissioner for the taking of oaths of affidavits.

Provides a wide range of services on an individual case basis including:

• advocacy
• assistance with domestic abuse situations
• addictions
• emergency food
• crisis situations
• transportation
• may offer financial assistance for emergency medical need
• offer referrals for education and employment
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program

The Housing Help services includes:

• information for landlords and tenants
• assisting clients and landlords with housing clients
• supports in maintaining housing and transitional housing moving forward
• program and information on rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants

Other services include:

• Koats for Kids
• Give a Gift, Adopt-A-Family at Christmas
• Back Packs for Back to School

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro).

Offers confidential one-on-one service to clients and refer when required. All services are free of charge.

Provides summary legal advice, legal representation, and public education on legal matters.

Areas of law that the clinic deals with:

• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Workplace Safety and Insurance
• Issues with various government agencies
• Immigration and Refugee matters
• Ontario Works
• Employment Law
• Residential Tenancies Act
• Canada Pension Plan/Income Security Programs
• Consumer and Debt Problems

Can also assist with:

• Advice (free and not income tested)
• Wills and Powers of Attorney
• Advocacy
• Community Organizing
• Public Legal Education and Information
• Law Reform
• Representation before Courts and Tribunals

See website for information and tips on a variety of legal topics.


Satellite locations (by appointment only):

Canadian Mental Health Association
20 Jarvis Street, Fort Erie
Tuesdays

Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold
19 Albert Street West, Thorold
Wednesdays

Port Cares
92 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne
Thursdays

Lighthouse Church
241 Elmwood, Crystal Beach
Thursdays

Advances safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices * responsible for occupational health and safety, employment rights and responsibilities, labour relations and internal administration * enforces the Employment Standards Act and its regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act * settles workplace disputes and assists in the settlement of collective agreements.

COVID-19: Book an appointment to ensure you are served. All possible efforts are made to accommodate walk-ins, but due to hight demand, walk-in service cannot be guaranteed.

This location is one of the Ministry of Transportation's Head Offices. The Ministry is responsible for managing Ontario's transportation network, including road user safety and construction and maintenance activities on provincial highways.

Counter service is provided by ServiceOntario and services available at this location include:

Drivers' licence change of name or address * driver's abstract * driver's licence reinstatement * licence renewal * licence replacement * temporary licence * Enhanced Drivers' Licence * snow vehicle licences and permits * off-road vehicle licences and permits * display number plates * gift certificates * Used Vehicle Information Packages * vehicle permits and plates change of classification, address, name, status * dealer/service plates * replacement plates, stickers and permits * personalized plates * Commissioner of Oath services * temporary vehicle registration

To make a complaint about the vehicle licencing office contact the Service Ontario Customer Experience Office at 1-800-267-8097 or email ceo@serviceontario.ca

The Ministry of Transportation has on-line videos to assist with CHILD CAR SEAT installations. For more information go to: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety

COVID-19: Visitors are encouraged to book an appointment at this location to help reduce lineups and wait times. Book an appointment online for this location.

Provides access to a range of government services:

• Drivers' licence renewal, replacement, information change
• Licence plates and renewal of licence plate stickers
• transfers of ownership
• application forms for Accessible Parking Permits, renewals, replacements and change of information
• Used Vehicle Information Package
• Drivers Abstracts and CVOR Abstracts

Provides the following Health Card Services:

• apply for an Ontario Health Card
• change address on a Health Card
• change name on a Health Card
• register an absence from Ontario or a return to Ontario
• renew a Photo Health Card
• replace a lost, stolen or damaged Health Card
• replace a red and white Health Card with a Photo Health Card

Ontario Photo Card: apply, change information, renew, replace * Photo identification for Ontario residents 16 years and older who do not hold a driver's license

Business registrations: registration of a sole proprietorship or general partnership * registration of a trade/style/operating name for an existing corporation

Employment: file a claim under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act * file an Employment Standards Claim

Fish and Wildlife: fishing licences * hunting licences * Outdoors card and miscellaneous

Tax Services: Beer Tax * Corporations Tax Insurance Premium * Corporations Tax Payment-in-Lieu * Debt Retirement Change * Employer Health Tax * Estate Administration Tax * Fuel Tax * Gasoline Tax * International Fuel Tax Agreement * Land Transfer Tax * Mining Tax * Retail Sales Tax * Retail Sales Tax Insurance Premium * Repay a Small Business Transition Support Payment * Tobacco Tax * Wine Tax

Commissioner of Oath services for authentication of documents

Landlord and Tenant Board Application Filing

COVID-19: Services are available remotely. Clients in need of Mediation, Family Law Information, Legal Advice and the Mandatory Information Program can leave a voicemail at 905-988-6200 ext 470 and FLIC staff will return their call ASAP. Clients can also email the local IRC, Chris Love, at chris@axisfamilymediation.com.

A walk-in service where you can find legal and non-legal information about separation and divorce and related family law issues, family justice services, alternative forms of dispute resolution, local community resources and court processes. The program is run cooperatively between the Ministry of the Attorney General, Legal Aid Ontario and AXIS Family Mediation.

Individuals can speak with a court customer service representative, an advice lawyer (for those not in court that day), and an Information and Referral Coordinator (IRC). Each of which are available at designated times to help you understand your family court/family law related needs and to make further referrals to appropriate services.

Individualized advocacy and support to maintain housing for those who have experienced chronic homelessness or at imminent risk of housing loss.

• Assistance with landlord disputes and negotiations
• Help accessing available community supports
• Strong relations with landlords to provide affordable housing
• Help accessing available community supports through partnerships (mental health and addictions)
• One on on individualized support and case management (life stabilization and independence)

Provides a free and confidential housing referral and consultation service.

Helps with:

• assistance and information to help solve housing problems
• people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless to find and maintain permanent accommodation within the local community
• landlords to find tenants and helps to resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants
• basic information on the Residential Tenancies Act

Also offers:

• money management - trusteeship service (including youth 16-24)
• regional identification clinic

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Responsible for maintaining the official record of all Council meetings, the indexing and retention of all by-laws, agreements and contracts of the City. It also issues lottery, raffle and bingo licences, as well as business licences, and acts as the local representative of the Provincial Registrar General which involves the registration of deaths and the issuance of marriage licences. Birth Certificate application forms, as well as application forms for a copy of a marriage licence, are available at the City Clerk's office. The Clerk's Department is also responsible for regulating and licensing area auctioneers. For the most part, the Clerk's Office is the initial contact point for the public at City Hall. Other related services include:

• Conducting Municipal Elections
• Issuing applications for public appointments to various committees
• Preparing City Council Agendas
• Commissioner of Affidavits (oaths) services

Offer confidential, non-judgmental advice and support for women, non-binary individuals, and their children experiencing gender-based violence and abuse.

Services include:

• compassionate one-on-one and group counselling
• emergency accommodation and transportation
• safety planning
• child and youth programming
• violence prevention programs and education
• second-stage housing
• transitional housing and support
• legal advice and support

Family Court Support Worker Program -- -- information on the family court process * assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid) * referral to specialized services and supports in the community * safety planning * court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Women do not have to stay at the shelter to access any of the free, confidential services. The goal is to provide safety, support and empowerment to vulnerable women, Two-spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary individuals in the community.

Provides services and care for people of all ages that have physical disabilities, serious health issues, or those who are frail and/or elderly. Provides assistance in the following areas:

• Medical transportation services
• Medical escorts
• Referrals to community services and Friendship Centre programs
• Preparing forms and applications
• Congregate dining services (includes meal and activity)
• Home visits/friendly visits
• Security checks (in person or over the phone)
• Caregiver Support services (respite and training)
• Advocacy with community agencies
• Access to cultural activities, traditional foods, ceremonies, Elders and Healers
• Assistance with housing issues
• Transitioning from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to Old Age Pension
• Locating a family doctor
• Assist in obtaining medical equipment and supplies

Offers an alternative to litigation for couples that are going through a separation. The primary focus is to save time and assets, minimize stress and protect children.

Food Bank: Walk-in service and home delivery of food (fresh and non perishable) to registered families, individuals and seniors who qualify.

Snack Attack: Offers families with school-aged children better snack choices throughout the week. Snacks are obtained through donations and additional items are purchased.

Shelter/Utility Stability: Provide counsel, mediation and periodic short term financial aid to keep Lincoln residents in their current housing with utilities functioning.

Safe at Home: Provides home furnishings for those in and out of transitional housing and to families in need.

Local municipal government offices responsible for:

• administration
• support to the Mayor and Council, Boards and Committees
• elections
• vital statistics
• marriage licences
• parking tickets
• taxation
• water and sewer billing
• planning and development
• fire protection and prevention
• parks and open space
• gaming licences and regulations
• infrastructure services
• designation of heritage buildings
• Commissioner of Oath services

The Works Department provides dead animal removal for all wildlife not on private property other than cats or dogs.

Birth, Death and Marriage Certificate Application forms can be obtained at the Reception Desk at Town Hall.

Support is provided to families with children who have a developmental disability living at home.

• Family Planning - Goal setting to support the development of the child.
• Case Management - Family Support coordinates the delivery of services to meet the needs of the child and family. It provides information about specialized services and assists with access.
• School Support - Supports the families in school advocacy issues.

Provides standard local government services, including:

PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Site Plan Control, Part Lot Control, registered Plans of Subdivision, Committee of Adjustment, Minor Variances, Applications for Consent. Issues applications for building permits, land division, and the committee of adjustment accepts complaints regarding the repair of a building, and makes inspections and provides information on swimming pool and fencing construction and repair regulations. For information and direction on installing a wood burning stove or kerosene heater contact this department.

BUILDING AND ENFORCEMENT: Receives, reviews and processes applications for the many types of permits which are required to ensure construction and other regulated activities within the Township meet the standards as set out in the Ontario Building Code Act.

TREASURY: Administration of the township's finances.

PUBLIC WORKS: Maintain and construct roads, bridges, water, sanitary and storm sewers, street lighting, parking, drainage, sidewalks and signage for the township.

CLERKS DEPARTMENT: Responsible for the preparation of meeting agendas and minutes, as well as distribution of information to the Mayor and Members of Council on a weekly basis. Responsible for various functions, which include but are not limited to the following: Recording/Record Keeping, Licensing, Municipal Elections, Records Management, Human Resources, Vital Statistics, Policy Development, Property/Legal Matters, Drainage, Commissioner for Taking Oaths, and Administration of Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act. Issues licences for raffles and lotteries, as well as regulating and licensing area auctioneers.

FIRE SERVICES: Volunteer firefighters provide services to the community through fire and accident response, resuscitation services, extrication from motor vehicle accidents and enforcement of safety standards in accordance with the regulations of the Ontario Fire Marshal.

RECREATION: Ensure public awareness and coordination of recreation programs, services and facilities. The West Lincoln Community Centre (177 West Street, Smithville) offers gymnasium, walking track, Olympic size ice pad, splash pad, skate park and children's playground. Additionally, a wide variety of Recreation Programs are offered year round including a variety of fitness classes, First Aid/CPR and Leader in Training (ages 12 to 16 years old). March Break Camp and Summer Camp programs are available for the months of July and August for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Ladies' and Men's Pick Up Hockey/Shinny, Adult Skating, Pre-School Skating & Public Skating available from mid-September until April. The Township's Leisureplex Park offers two lighted ball diamonds, 2 large soccerfields (one lighted), outdoor running/walking track, mini soccer fields, washroom facility, trail to and from Smithville. For more information on the above noted Recreation programs please call 905-957-3346 ext 4694.

HERITAGE DESIGNATION: The municipal council is empowered to designate, by by-law, individual buildings, properties and entire areas that they determine to be of architectural or historical importance.

Advocacy to improve workers' rights.

Training for local and migrant agricultural workers on Health and Safety and Labour Rights.

Assistance in obtaining Open Work Permits for Vulnerable Workers, and in getting access to Workers' Compensation, Employment Insurance benefits and Canada Pension Plan.

Free legal services for low-income people funded by Legal Aid Ontario

• advice and representation available through this Nonprofit independent community legal clinic to clients who have problems such as housing, social assistance, government pensions and employment insurance

Services provided in the following areas of law:

• Residential tenancies (for tenants)
  
• Employment Insurance (EI)
  
• Employment issues
  
• Human Rights
  
• Consumer Protection
  
• Notary services

Legal Health Check-Up:

• an online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
  
• if you do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, your legal health may be at risk