Toronto has its fair share of strange and quirky laws and bylaws, some you've probably never heard of, and others that sound more like urban legends than real rules.
While not all these oddities are actively enforced, many still exist on the books at municipal level.
And yes, some of them can still result in fines of up to $100,000, if you are in breach.
With that in mind, here are a few of Toronto's most unusual laws and bylaws that may leave you scratching your head.
Rough play at the pool
Ever feel the urge to shout "cannonball!" before leaping into a pool? In Toronto, that bold splash may land you in hot water.
According to the public pool, public spa and class C facilities operator's manual (2019), "no person shall engage in boisterous play in or about the pool."
While the manual doesn't spell out exactly what counts as "boisterous," it's safe to assume that cannonballs, running on the deck, pushing, diving, and dunking are all frowned upon.
There's no set fine for breaking this rule, but lifeguards do have the authority to ask you to leave if you're making waves in more ways than one.
So next time, maybe ease down the ladder quietly.
Swearing in parks
If you're letting the expletives fly while hanging with friends in Trinity Bellwoods, you should watch what you say because technically, you're breaking a bylaw.
According to the Toronto municipal code, "While in a park, no person shall: Indulge in riotous, boisterous, violent, threatening, or illegal conduct or use profane or abusive language."
It has a set fine of $150, but additional charges may be applied.
So the next time a mosquito sinks its teeth into you or you step in something unpleasant, maybe swap that four-letter word for a good old-fashioned "flip!"
Leaving your engine running
Have you ever left your engine running while your car is not moving in Toronto? You could be breaking a bylaw without even realizing it.
According to the City's idling control bylaw, drivers are only allowed to idle their vehicles for up to one minute within any 60 minutes. Go over that limit, and you could be on the hook for a fine, up to $5,000, if convicted.
However, there are a few exceptions. The rule doesn't apply if you're stuck in traffic, facing mechanical issues, dealing with extreme weather, or responding to an emergency.
Next time you're sitting in your car with the engine running, turn it off unless you're ready to pay the price for just sitting still.
Cycling on sidewalks
This is one bylaw you'll definitely notice being broken regularly in Toronto, especially when a bike nearly clips you on the sidewalk.
According to City rules, anyone over the age of 14 is not allowed to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. This is designed to keep pedestrians safe and maintain clear walkways.
Get caught pedalling where you shouldn't and you could be fined $85.
Feeding pigeons
Under Toronto's animal bylaw, feeding wildlife, including pigeons, is not allowed on public or private property. That also means you can't leave food out that might attract them.
Feeding wild animals can disrupt their natural instincts and make them more comfortable around humans, potentially leading to health risks, overpopulation, and other issues in local communities.
So, if you're tempted to toss some bread or grain to a flock of pigeons, think again.
You could be fined up to $365 for feeding pigeons or any other wildlife in Toronto.
Loitering on TTC property
Did you know you could be fined up to $235 just for hanging around too long on TTC property?
According to TTC Bylaw No. 1, Section 3.24, loitering or lingering without purpose is prohibited on transit property, including platforms, buses, and stations. The bylaw states that "no person, unless otherwise authorized, shall loiter in or on TTC property."
The TTC defines loitering as:
- Idling time on TTC property without the express purpose of using the transit system
- Lingering or remaining without due cause
- Failing to board the next available TTC vehicle when possible
If you're caught hanging around without an apparent reason, you could be hit with a $195 ticket, which rises to $235 once the provincial surcharge is added.
Drinking in public parks
In April 2024, the City of Toronto launched a new program allowing people to legally consume alcohol in select public parks.
Under the Alcohol in Parks Program, alcohol consumption is permitted daily from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., but only in designated areas.
Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited in certain areas of these parks, including inside or around outdoor swimming pools, within two metres of playgrounds and their safety surfaces, wading pools and splash pads, skateboard or BMX parks, and natural or artificial outdoor ice rinks.
If you're caught drinking alcohol in any of these restricted zones, you could face a $300 fine.
This program doesn't change the legal drinking age of 19 or the ban on public intoxication, both of which remain regulated under Ontario's Liquor Licence and Control Act.
It also doesn't affect how alcohol is sold or served in parks. Any public event involving alcohol still requires both a City of Toronto Special Event permit and a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Passing a snow plow
In Toronto and across Ontario, it's illegal to pass snow plows working on highways with speed limits of 80 km/h or higher when they're operating in formation.
This law is designed to keep both drivers and plow operators safe during hazardous winter conditions.
The only time you're allowed to pass is if your lane is entirely clear of the snow plow, including any part of its blade or equipment. Attempting to pass too closely or unsafely puts everyone at risk.
While we might not be dealing with snow in Toronto for a while (hopefully), it's important to remember this rule for the winter months ahead.
Violating it can result in fines ranging from $150 to $1,000 under the Highway Traffic Act.
Smoking in public
You might know Ontario has strict smoking laws, but Toronto's park-specific rules go even further, and breaking them could cost you a lot of money.
According to the Toronto Municipal Code, smoking is banned within nine metres of several areas in city parks. That includes:
- Playgrounds and their safety surfaces
- Sports fields
- Outdoor swimming pools and surrounding decks
- Wading pools and splash pads
- Skateboard and BMX parks
- Ski hills
- Covered picnic shelters and gazebos
- Outdoor theatre areas
- Public washrooms
In addition, smoking is completely prohibited in:
- Any zoo or farm area
- On swimming beaches
- While standing in a lineup or waiting area
If you're caught smoking in any of these restricted areas, you could face a $300 fine under City bylaws. However, if you're within 20 metres of a children's playground or splash pad, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act also applies, and that could result in a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offence and as much as $5,000 for repeat violations.
These rules apply to tobacco, cannabis, and vaping products. Before you light up in a Toronto park, make sure you're well outside any restricted zone, as it could be an expensive smoke break.
Loud noises
Toronto has strict noise bylaws that regulate when and where certain sounds are permitted; violating these rules can result in severe fines.
Continuous amplified sound isn't allowed in outdoor living areas if it exceeds 50 dB(A) or 65 dB(C) between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or 55 dB(A) or 70 dB(C) between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. These limits apply to items such as music and speakers.
Persistent noise from animals is also prohibited if the animal is under your care. Owners are responsible for preventing such disturbances.
Construction noise is not allowed if it's audible from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the next day, or until 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays. It is also prohibited on all days of the week, including Sundays and statutory holidays.
Unnecessary vehicle noise is another offence under the bylaw.
At any time of day, it is unlawful to make or allow unreasonable and persistent noise that disrupts others, even if it doesn't fall into one of the categories above.
Failing to comply with any part of the noise bylaw is considered an offence. It may result in a fine of up to $100,000 upon conviction.
However, in certain circumstances, such as public events or emergency work, you may apply for a permit to be exempt from some of these noise restrictions.
Driving too slow
While speeding is a well-known offence, many people don't realize that driving too slowly can also get you into trouble in Toronto and across Ontario.
According to the Highway Traffic Act, it's illegal to operate a vehicle at such a slow pace that you obstruct or impede the normal flow of traffic on a highway.
That said, driving slowly is permitted when road conditions or safety concerns require it.
But if you're moving unreasonably slowly without a valid reason, you risk being fined between $150 and $1,000.
Next time you're out and about in Toronto, keep these laws and bylaws in mind. It could save you a lot of time, trouble, and unnecessary fines!
