Ontario’s Weirdest Bylaws You Probably Didn’t Know
Nineside Travel
Content
Date:
Jun 26, 2025
Category:
Ontario’s municipal bylaws aren’t all about parking and noise complaints—some of them are quietly hilarious. We dug through official town codes and reputable sources to find some of the strangest rules still on the books. Want to avoid awkward fines? Take note of these quirky laws!
🔇 1. No Whistling in Petrolia
In Petrolia, Ontario, it's illegal to “yell, shout, hoot, whistle, or sing” between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This odd noise restriction applies all day under the town’s noise bylaw—perfect for peace lovers, frustrating for spontaneous whistle-singers.
🚫 2. Swearing Ban in Rockwood Cars
Planning a road-trip with colourful commentary? Think twice in Rockwood. The town prohibits using profane language inside vehicles, and complaints from others could land you a fine .
🪜 3. Tree-Climbing Ban in Oshawa
Oshawa’s bylaws include a serious-sounding prohibition: no climbing trees on municipal property. That “tree house” you had in mind may not be tree-top legal—especially in public spaces .
🤐 4. Cursing Not Allowed in Toronto Parks
Toronto’s parks are peaceful—and profanity-free. The municipal code bans “profane or abusive language” in public parks, and violators can face fines over $200.
💰 5. Coin Limit on Payments
The federal Currency Act places practical—but odd—limits on coin payments: you can’t use more than 25 loonies or 5 quarters in a single transaction. Try paying a $30 bill entirely in toonies? Not legal.
🤯 Why These Rules Still Exist
These bylaws might seem eccentric, but they reflect local priorities—whether it's noise control, public decorum, or practical finance measures. Municipalities retain them unless officially repealed, and enforcement usually depends on public complaints.
ℹ️ Final Word
Next time you’re heading out:
Avoid whistling at 2 a.m. in Petrolia
Keep family rides PG in Rockwood
Obey those “no climbing” signs in Oshawa parks
And maybe leave the loonies at home
Have you encountered a weird-by-your-town rule? Let us know—we’re always on the lookout for Ontario’s quirkiest laws!
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.
At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.
AUTHOR
At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.
AUTHOR
RELATED POSTs
Ontario’s Weirdest Bylaws You Probably Didn’t Know
Nineside Travel
Content
Date:
Jun 26, 2025
Category:
Ontario’s municipal bylaws aren’t all about parking and noise complaints—some of them are quietly hilarious. We dug through official town codes and reputable sources to find some of the strangest rules still on the books. Want to avoid awkward fines? Take note of these quirky laws!
🔇 1. No Whistling in Petrolia
In Petrolia, Ontario, it's illegal to “yell, shout, hoot, whistle, or sing” between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This odd noise restriction applies all day under the town’s noise bylaw—perfect for peace lovers, frustrating for spontaneous whistle-singers.
🚫 2. Swearing Ban in Rockwood Cars
Planning a road-trip with colourful commentary? Think twice in Rockwood. The town prohibits using profane language inside vehicles, and complaints from others could land you a fine .
🪜 3. Tree-Climbing Ban in Oshawa
Oshawa’s bylaws include a serious-sounding prohibition: no climbing trees on municipal property. That “tree house” you had in mind may not be tree-top legal—especially in public spaces .
🤐 4. Cursing Not Allowed in Toronto Parks
Toronto’s parks are peaceful—and profanity-free. The municipal code bans “profane or abusive language” in public parks, and violators can face fines over $200.
💰 5. Coin Limit on Payments
The federal Currency Act places practical—but odd—limits on coin payments: you can’t use more than 25 loonies or 5 quarters in a single transaction. Try paying a $30 bill entirely in toonies? Not legal.
🤯 Why These Rules Still Exist
These bylaws might seem eccentric, but they reflect local priorities—whether it's noise control, public decorum, or practical finance measures. Municipalities retain them unless officially repealed, and enforcement usually depends on public complaints.
ℹ️ Final Word
Next time you’re heading out:
Avoid whistling at 2 a.m. in Petrolia
Keep family rides PG in Rockwood
Obey those “no climbing” signs in Oshawa parks
And maybe leave the loonies at home
Have you encountered a weird-by-your-town rule? Let us know—we’re always on the lookout for Ontario’s quirkiest laws!
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.
At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.
AUTHOR
At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.
AUTHOR
RELATED POSTs
Ontario’s Weirdest Bylaws You Probably Didn’t Know
Nineside Travel
News
Date:
Jun 26, 2025
Category:
Ontario’s municipal bylaws aren’t all about parking and noise complaints—some of them are quietly hilarious. We dug through official town codes and reputable sources to find some of the strangest rules still on the books. Want to avoid awkward fines? Take note of these quirky laws!
🔇 1. No Whistling in Petrolia
In Petrolia, Ontario, it's illegal to “yell, shout, hoot, whistle, or sing” between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This odd noise restriction applies all day under the town’s noise bylaw—perfect for peace lovers, frustrating for spontaneous whistle-singers.
🚫 2. Swearing Ban in Rockwood Cars
Planning a road-trip with colourful commentary? Think twice in Rockwood. The town prohibits using profane language inside vehicles, and complaints from others could land you a fine .
🪜 3. Tree-Climbing Ban in Oshawa
Oshawa’s bylaws include a serious-sounding prohibition: no climbing trees on municipal property. That “tree house” you had in mind may not be tree-top legal—especially in public spaces .
🤐 4. Cursing Not Allowed in Toronto Parks
Toronto’s parks are peaceful—and profanity-free. The municipal code bans “profane or abusive language” in public parks, and violators can face fines over $200.
💰 5. Coin Limit on Payments
The federal Currency Act places practical—but odd—limits on coin payments: you can’t use more than 25 loonies or 5 quarters in a single transaction. Try paying a $30 bill entirely in toonies? Not legal.
🤯 Why These Rules Still Exist
These bylaws might seem eccentric, but they reflect local priorities—whether it's noise control, public decorum, or practical finance measures. Municipalities retain them unless officially repealed, and enforcement usually depends on public complaints.
ℹ️ Final Word
Next time you’re heading out:
Avoid whistling at 2 a.m. in Petrolia
Keep family rides PG in Rockwood
Obey those “no climbing” signs in Oshawa parks
And maybe leave the loonies at home
Have you encountered a weird-by-your-town rule? Let us know—we’re always on the lookout for Ontario’s quirkiest laws!
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.
At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.
AUTHOR
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