Item - 2025.EC25.10

The General Manager, Parks and Recreation recommends that:

1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608, Parks, in accordance with Attachment 1 to the report (November 18, 2025) from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, as follows:

Article I - Definitions

a. add new definitions as follows:

DRONE – A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System as defined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, being a set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely piloted aircraft, its control station, the command and control links and any other system elements required during flight operation.

GLIDER – A Glider as defined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, being a non-power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft that derives its lift in flight from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces that remain fixed during flight.

HARASSMENT – As defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code, meaning engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.

REMOTE-CONTROLLED VEHICLE: Any navigable aircraft, ground-based, or water-based vehicle, irrespective of its weight, that is operated by a pilot that is not on board, including drones, boats, cars, or similar devices, but excluding balloons, rockets, or kites.

VAPE OR VAPING – The use or holding of a vaporizer or inhalant-type device, whether called an electronic cigarette or any other name, whether or not the vapour contains nicotine or cannabis, and includes any of the following:

Inhaling vapour from a vaporizer or inhalant–type device;

Exhaling vapour from a vaporizer or inhalant-type device; or

Holding an activated vaporizer or inhalant-type device

b. Amend the definition of GENERAL MANAGER to replace "Parks, Forestry and Recreation" with "Parks and Recreation" and replace "his or her" with "their" so that it now reads: "The General Manager of Parks and Recreation or their successor or designate."

c. Amend the definition of PARK to add the words "parking lots" so that it now reads: "Land and land covered by water and all portions of it owned by or made available by lease, agreement, or otherwise to the City, that is or may be established, dedicated, set apart or made available for use as public open space or golf course, and that has been or may be placed under the jurisdiction of the General Manager, including any and all buildings, structures, facilities, parking lots, erections, and improvements located in or on the and, save and except where the land is governed by other by-laws of the City."

d. Amend part B of the definition of PROHIBITED AREAS to replace the word "playgrounds" with the words "playground safety surface or playground equipment" so that it now reads: "B. Playground safety surface or playground equipment, splash pads or wading pools."

e. Replace the definition of SMOKE OR SMOKING as follows:

The use or holding of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or any other lighted device or material, such as tobacco or cannabis, and includes any of the following:

Inhaling smoke from a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah or any other lighted device or material;

Exhaling smoke from a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah or any other lighted device or material; or

Holding a lit cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah or any other lighted device or material."

f. Replace the definition of VEHICLE as follows:

A Vehicle as defined under the Highway Traffic Act, being a motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor, road-building machine, bicycle and any vehicle drawn, propelled or driven by any kind of power, including muscular power, but excludes a baby carriage or cart, child's wagon, child's stroller, child's sleigh, wheelchair or similar device (powered or otherwise) used by an individual due to a disability, or other similar conveyance.

Article II - Conduct

g. Amend 608-3 as follows:

1. Amend 608-3 A (1) to replace the word "indulge" with the word "engage", add the words "any form of harassment or", delete the word "boisterous", and delete the words "profane or" so that it now reads: "Engage in any form of harassment or riotous, violent, threatening, or illegal conduct; or use abusive language".

2. Delete 608-3 A (5), 608-3 A (6) and 608-3 B that relate to sexual behaviour and nudity.

3. Amend 608-3 D to delete the word “warning” so that it now reads: "No person shall remove, disturb, relocate, damage or destroy protective fencing, lifesaving equipment, barriers and signage put in place for protection of the public."

h. Amend 608-7 to add the word “soil” so that it now reads:

Unless authorized by permit, no person shall encroach upon or take possession of a park by any means whatsoever, including the construction, installation or maintenance of a fence or structure; the dumping or storage of materials, soil or plantings; or planting, cultivating, grooming or landscaping.

i. Amend the title of 608-7.1 to add the words "water and wastewater" so that it now reads: "Water and wastewater discharge".

j. Replace 608-7.1 as follows:

Unless authorized by permit, no person shall cause or permit the discharge, flow or runoff of water or wastewater from private property into or onto a park, from any source including but not limited to a hose or similar device, sewage, a roof drainage system, parking lot, hot tub, swimming pool or pond.

k. Amend the title of 608-8.1 to add the words "and vaping" so that it now reads: "Smoking and vaping".

l. Amend 608-8.1 as follows:

1. Amend 608-8.1 A to add the words “or vape” after the word "smoke", add the word "within" after the words "boundaries of and" and change the radius surrounding amenities and areas from nine metres to 20 metres so that it now reads: "While in a park no person shall smoke or vape within the boundaries of and within a 20-metre radius surrounding the following amenities or areas in a park".

2. Add a new subsection to 608-8.1 B as follows: "(4) In a designated off-leash area."

3. Add a new subsection to 608-8.1 as follows: "C. Despite § 608-8.1.A and 608-8.1.B and in accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, nothing in this Chapter: (1) prohibits an Indigenous person from smoking tobacco or holding lighted tobacco there, if the activity is carried out for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual purposes; or (2) prohibits a non-Indigenous person from smoking tobacco or holding lighted tobacco there, if the activity is carried out with an Indigenous person and for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual purposes."

Article III - Park Use

m. Replace 608-16 as follows:

In a park, no person shall enter gender-segregated washrooms, change rooms or other facilities that do not correspond to their gender identity.

Article IV - Games, Sports and Organized Activities

n. Amend the title of 608-19 so that it now reads: "Drones and remote-controlled vehicles".

o. Amend 608-19 to replace the words "powered models of aircraft, rockets, watercraft or vehicles" with the words "a drone, rocket or remote-controlled vehicle" so that it now reads:

While in a park, no person shall operate a drone, rocket or remote-controlled vehicle unless authorized by permit.

p. Amend the title of 608-20 so that it now reads: "Aircraft and gliders".

q. Amend 608-20 to add the words "any aircraft as defined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations including", delete the words "hot air balloon" and delete the word “hang” so that it now reads:

Unless authorized by permit, no person shall tether, launch or land any aircraft described in the Canadian Aviation Regulations including a glider, ultra light aircraft or similar conveyance in a park.

Article V - Vehicles

r. Amend 608-28 to add the words "any area of" and delete the words “roadway or parking lot in” so that it now reads:

No person shall make use of any area of a park for:

A. Washing, cleaning, servicing, maintaining or, except in the event of an emergency, the repair of any vehicle;

B. Instructing, teaching or coaching any person in the driving or operation of a motor vehicle, unless authorized by permit; or

C. Storing a boat or trailer without a permit.

Article VI - Animals

s. Amend 608-34 as follows:

1. Amend 608-34 A (6) to add the words "has been determined to be a dangerous dog under Chapter 349, Animals, or the dog"; and amend 608-34 A (6)(a) to add the words "or order"; so that it now reads:

 (6) Allow a dog to enter a designated off-leash area if the dog has been determined to be a dangerous dog under Chapter 349, Animals, or the dog is required to be equipped with a muzzle or secured by a leash under:

(a) A notice or order issued under Chapter 349, Animals; or

(b) The Dog Owners' Liability Act or an order issued under that Act.

2. Amend 604-34 C (1) to change the maximum leash length from 2.4 metres to two metres.

Article IX - Commercial Enterprises

t. Amend 608-46 to add the word "lessons" to 608-46 A (3) so that it now reads: "Any art, skill, service, lessons or work."

u. Replace 608-47 as follows:

A. While in a park, unless authorized by permit under this Chapter or permitted under Chapter 459, Filming and authorized by permit from the Toronto Film and Television Office, no person shall:

(1) Take or permit to be taken for remuneration any film, photograph, videotape or television broadcast;

(2) Take or permit to be taken any film, photograph, videotape or television broadcast in a washroom or change room.

B. No video surveillance system shall be installed in a park except in accordance with the City of Toronto Security Video Surveillance Policy.

Article X - Regulation and Enforcement

v. Amend 608-49 A to replace the word "obtained" with the words "applied for" and delete the words "the Customer Service Section of" so that it now reads:

Permits for activities contemplated in this chapter may be applied for by contacting the City's Parks and Recreation Division.

w. Amend 608-52 A to add a new subsection immediately after the current subsection 608-52 A (2) and before the current subsection 608-52 A (3) to read as follows:

Employees or agents of the City while engaged in works or services undertaken for or on behalf of the City as authorized by the General Manager;

x. Amend 608-55 to delete the words "of § 608-27" to that it now reads:

An officer or the General Manager, upon discovery of a vehicle parked or standing in contravention of this chapter, may cause it to be moved or taken to and placed or stored in a suitable place and all costs and charges for removing, care of and storing the vehicle, if any, are a lien upon the vehicle which may be enforced in the manner provided by the Repair and Storage Liens Act. 

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation.

3. City Council direct that the amendments above come into force on March 2, 2026.

This report responds to City Council direction in 2025.MM29.8 to review Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608, Parks, to remove outdated, burdensome or unnecessary provisions. Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608 (the "Parks By-law") is the governing by-law for City of Toronto parkland. It regulates park activities so that parks are protected, safe and enjoyable for everyone. The by-law aims for a balanced approach to enable a broad range of park activities while also ensuring public safety and protection of City property and the natural environment.

This report recommends 25 immediate updates to the Parks By-law. These include amendments to: i) address evolving conditions, circumstances, technologies and activities affecting the use or protection of parks; ii) align the by-law with other City by-laws and policies; and iii) reflect federal and provincial legislation.

The report also identifies by-law topics and areas where Council-directed policy work is currently in progress that may result in by-law amendments in the near future (e.g., Food and Beverage Strategy for parks; rules for micromobility devices), as well as other topics that require more extensive future policy work to ensure the by-law remains reflective of evolving community and user needs (e.g., regulations for boating and mooring, social gathering size, and use of barbecues). In most cases, the policy development process for these topics will include community engagement and dedicated project work, with the level of effort tailored to the scope of each topic.

Some issues raised in 2025.MM29.8 relate to outdated park signage that is not reflective of the by-law. This report also describes a park sign audit that is in progress to identify and remove outdated and unnecessary park signs.

Finally, the report recommends a plan for the by-law to undergo regular reviews every five years, or as required based on changes to the policy environment, to ensure that it is consistently kept up to date going forward. These reviews will include public engagement to increase public awareness of the by-law and to identify public priorities related to parks policy and governance.

Parks and Recreation consulted with Legal Services, Municipal Licensing and Standards, Toronto Public Health, Transportation Services, and Environment, Climate and Forestry in the development of this report.

There are no financial impacts resulting from the adoption of the recommended by-law amendments.

Signage updates and by-law enforcement will continue to be managed within Parks and Recreation's and Municipal Licensing and Standards' operating budgets respectively. Any incremental funding or additional resource requirements will be requested through future staff reports to Council and/or in subsequent budget processes, to be considered alongside other City priorities.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the information as presented in the Financial Impact Section.