Weird and Surprising Homeowner Laws in Canada
Canada’s Strangest Homeowner Laws
The Etobicoke Bathtub Myth
Let’s get one common myth out of the way: the so-called “Etobicoke bathtub law.” While it’s been circulating online for years, there is no such law in Etobicoke or anywhere in Canada that limits bathtub water to three-and-a-half inches. It’s simply not true. So, feel free to fill up your bathtub without fear of breaking any laws!
Painting Restrictions
Purple Garage Doors in Kanata?
A long-standing rumor suggests that it’s illegal to paint your garage door purple in Kanata, Ontario. However, no such law exists. The city does not have any specific regulations prohibiting purple garage doors, and there are no laws in Kanata (or anywhere else in Canada, for that matter) that dictate what color you can or can’t paint your house. So, if you love the color purple, go ahead and paint away!
Montreal’s Color Restrictions
While it’s perfectly legal to paint your house in most colors, there have been instances where specific regulations apply. For example, in Montreal, a property owner faced legal action after painting a Victorian-style home with a flashy ad-inspired palette of hot pink, lime green, purple, teal, and orange. This was deemed a violation of heritage preservation bylaws, as the home’s character had been altered inappropriately. In fact, Montreal has regulations that prohibit painting the exteriors of heritage buildings, especially brick facades, with certain types of paint that can cause damage.
Alberta’s Wooden Ladder Law
In Alberta, it is illegal to paint a wooden ladder. The Alberta Health and Safety Code specifically prohibits painting wooden ladders, as it makes it harder to assess the ladder’s safety. The logic behind this law is simple: it’s easier to spot any signs of wear and tear or damage when a ladder remains unpainted.
Animal Laws
Alberta’s Rat Control Program
In Alberta, there are strict laws regarding rats. The province has been free of Norway rats for over 70 years, thanks to its Rat Control Program. As a result, it’s illegal to own a Norway rat, including the domesticated white rat, unless you’re a zoo, university, or recognized research institution.
Exotic Pets & Other Animal Laws
In Port Coquitlam, BC, homeowners can only keep a maximum of three animals per household. This limit includes any pets, whether they’re cats, dogs, or anything else! Similarly, in Newfoundland, while you can legally own a cow (as many farmers do), it’s illegal to keep a cow as a pet in your home. In the past, rural Canadians might have kept livestock indoors during harsh winters, but today, it’s understood that animals belong in barns.
In Oak Bay, Victoria, if you own a parrot, keep in mind that loud noises from your feathered friend can result in a $100 fine. And in Fredericton, NB, it’s illegal to wear snakes or lizards in public, although you can carry them in a closed container.
Lawn, Garden, and Yard Laws
Lawn Mowing in London, Ontario
In some cities like London, Ontario, you could end up with an unexpected visitor if your lawn grows longer than eight inches. City workers will mow your lawn for you—at your expense. So, if you plan on taking a break from yard work, be prepared for the cost!
Garage Sale Regulations in Toronto
If you're looking to host a garage sale in Toronto, be aware of the limits. According to the Toronto Municipal Code, you can only hold two garage sales per year, and each sale can’t last longer than two days. So, plan accordingly!
Building Snowmen & Snowball Laws
In some Canadian towns, even snowmen aren’t exempt from local laws! For example, in Souris, PEI, it’s illegal to build a snowman taller than 30 inches (about two-and-a-half feet). Similarly, in Esquimalt, BC, it was once illegal to throw a snowball, although that particular law has since been repealed.
Keeping Up with Changing Bylaws
While it might sound like Canada has a lot of quirky homeowner laws, the truth is that most of these rules are designed to protect the safety, health, and well-being of citizens and the environment. Property and zoning laws, noise control regulations, and water conservation policies are just a few examples of the important municipal rules that affect homeowners.
As municipalities across Canada constantly update their bylaws, it’s crucial to stay informed about any changes that could impact you. For example, in response to growing water conservation concerns, British Columbia’s Capital Regional District (CRD) recently overhauled lawn-watering bylaws. To reduce water demand during peak hours, the CRD now limits watering times for homeowners’ irrigation systems.
Many Canadian provinces have similar regulations in place, such as limiting outdoor water use during specific months or restricting the washing of exterior home surfaces like driveways or windows. These changes are part of broader efforts to protect natural resources, particularly during times of drought or water scarcity.
How to Stay Informed
To ensure that you stay up to date with bylaws and avoid potential fines, here are a few tips on how to keep track of local regulations:
- Check your local municipality’s website: Most Canadian cities and towns post bylaws and updates on their official websites.
- Visit your local government office: A visit to your city or town hall can provide in-depth information and help you clarify any legal concerns.
- Read local newspapers and community bulletins: Many municipalities publish updates on local laws and regulations through public notices.
- Consult a lawyer: If you're unsure about any regulations that might affect your property, a legal expert can provide guidance.
By staying informed about local rules and regulations, you can ensure your property stays compliant and avoid any unexpected surprises. Whether it's keeping your lawn in check, understanding the rules around pets, or navigating complex zoning laws, knowledge is key.
If you ever have questions or need assistance with real estate or property regulations, feel free to reach out to me, Diane Walker. I’m here to help you stay informed and make the most of your homeownership experience.