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Summary

7 Totally Random Ontario Laws That Could Accidentally Land You In Trouble

We've all committed these crimes at one point or another!
Contributor

If you think you’ve never broken a law before — think again. There’s a few bizarre Ontario laws out there that even you could surely be guilty of.

All of these laws are still in effect, so remember to note these for next time you’re out on the town.

Once you give this list a read, we’re betting you will no longer be able to say you are a perfect law-abiding samaritan.

From prohibiting all shouting to not being allowed to swear in public parks, there is definitely something on this list that you have been guilty of at one point or another.

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1. No swearing in a Toronto public park.

According to the municipal code of Toronto, "While in a park, no person shall indulge in riotous, boisterous, violent, threatening, or illegal conduct or use profane or abusive language."

2. You can't feed the wildlife in Stratford... unless it's a swan.

In Stratford, Ontario, there is a prohibition against feeding the wildlife, but, for some reason, they've stated that swans are exempt. So, if you happen to see any swans while you're in Stratford, don't hold back!  

3. You can't play a game in a Red Lake parking lot.

That's right — you aren't allowed to partake in any games while in a Red Lake parking lot and, if you do, you may just find yourself with a $100 fine!

4. You're not allowed to shout in Myers Lake.

In 2018, Myers Lake was one of a few cottage country regions that placed a 24/7 ban on “yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, singing or other similar human sound," CTV reported. They want it peaceful and quiet, thank you very much.

5. You can't climb a tree in Oshawa.

Do not bring out your inner child and decide to climb a tree on municipal property while in Oshawa. According to their city bylaws, that's not going to fly.

6. You carry a package while riding a bike in Ottawa.

Two hands on the wheel! In Ottawa, it is illegal to ride your bike while carrying a package that prevents you from keeping both hands on the handlebars. We've all carried something while biking at one point or another — just make sure if it's in Ottawa, no one sees you! 

7. You can't just jump into Lake Ontario anywhere in a park. 

If you think you can just jump into Lake Ontario at any old spot in the park — think again. Toronto City bylaws state that "no person shall in a park swim, bathe or wade in a fountain, pond, lake or stream, except in a designated area." It's designated beaches or nothing!  

  • Abby Neufeld was a writer at Narcity Canada. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Professional Communications at the University of Victoria. Her past work has been published in The Toronto Star, Bitch Media, Canadian Dimension, This Magazine, and more. In 2019, Abby co-founded The New Twenties, an environmentally-focused literary and arts magazine.

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