Parks

The City of Toronto has parks bylaws to regulate, protect, and govern public parks so that everyone can enjoy the park experience equally.

The bylaws address:

  • Vending or operating a business without a licence/permit
  • Watercraft mooring/beached except in designated areas
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Amplified noise without a permit
  • Conduct
  • Events with no permit
  • Fireworks
  • Illegal dumping and storing materials on parkland
  • Illegal vending
  • Smoking and vaping
  • Encroachment (gardens, soil, fences, sheds, backyard extensions, gazebo, swing sets, dog kennel, etc.) onto a City park
  • Let dogs off leash
  • Play sports (ski, ice skate, roller blade, etc.)
  • Swim
  • Drive a vehicle (on roadway only)
  • Ride a bicycle (maintaining a max speed of 20km/h)
  • Toboggan
  • Drink alcohol in a park that is designated for personal alcohol consumption (see program website for list of parks and rules)

Note: Electric vehicles such as e-bikes can only be used on roads where regular vehicles are allowed. People with disabilities may use electric vehicles on all paths if the vehicle helps them get around. Pedal-assist e-bikes are treated the same as bicycles and can be used on all paths.

In parks, you cannot smoke or vape (including cannabis) within 20 metres of:

  • Sports field
  • Playgrounds and playground equipment
  • Wading pools or splash pads
  • Skateboard parks and BMX parks
  • Ski hills
  • Outdoor swimming pools and pool decks
  • Covered picnic shelter and gazebo
  • Outdoor theatre spaces
  • Public washrooms

You also cannot smoke in:

  • Zoo or farm areas
  • Swimming beaches
  • Service lines or waiting areas
  • Designated off-leash dog areas

While in a park, you must not:

  • Fly a kite using a string made of hazardous materials, such as metal wire, piano wire, fishing line, or chemically treated nylon containing glass fragments.
  • Fly a kite within 25 metres of a tree, building, light pole, hydro pole, or other utility pole.
  • Fly a kite in parking lots, on roads, or on pathways.
  • Fly a kite as part of a competition unless you have a permit.
  • Fly a kite in areas where signs prohibit kite flying.
  • Leave any part of a kite, including its string or tether, in the park if it could harm people, property, or wildlife.

These rules are in place because kite string can be dangerous when left behind. It can injure people, harm wildlife, and damage equipment. If you have concerns about kite flying in a prohibited area or the use of dangerous kite string, report it online or call 311.

  • Vending/operating a business (including selling and serving alcohol, food, art, services or work)
  • Drink alcohol in a park that is not designated for personal alcohol consumption
  • Sell food, drinks, art, services or work
  • Take professional photographs or film
  • Distribute and post flyers or advertising
  • Play organized sports
  • Use portable and charcoal BBQs
  • Light, build or stoke an open fire/bonfire
  • Have a picnic or event with more than 25 people
  • If you are a licensed dog walker, maintain control of up to six dogs
  • Park a vehicle overnight
  • Special Events including that require sound amplification

Permits are granted by the City of Toronto, except for permits to serve alcohol, issued through the AGCO.

Yes. Fines range from $100 to $500 for offences such as letting your dog off leash (except in off-leash areas) and drinking, selling or serving alcohol in a park without a permit. You can also be fined for discharging a paintball gun within a City of Toronto park or ravine.
Date modified: July 13, 2026