Gavin Howe
Canada is known for its breathtaking landscapes, maple syrup, and civility. However, it also has some of the weirdest laws that might catch you off guard. These laws range from outdated regulations to community-specific bylaws. For instance, in the 1940s, Canada prohibited the printing of comic books that depicted crime, while in the city of Kanata, Ontario, it was illegal to paint your garage door purple. Other quirky laws include the prohibition of water-skiing at night, the restriction on the height of snowmen in Souris, and the illegality of eating ice cream on a sidewalk on Sundays in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. These laws, although strange, often served a specific purpose when they were created and offer a fascinating glimpse into Canada's legal system.
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What You'll Learn
No comic books depicting crime
Canada has a plethora of quirky laws that may seem amusing, but it is important to respect and adhere to them. One such law prohibits the publication of comic books depicting crime.
Indeed, it was once illegal to publish or sell comic books in Canada. Section 163(b) of the Criminal Code stated that it was an offence to:
> make, print, publish, distribute, sell, or possess for the purpose of publication, distribution, or circulation a crime comic.
This law was incredibly broad and covered almost every comic book on the market. It is unclear when this law was repealed, but it is no longer in effect.
Canada has various other unusual laws. For example, in Halifax, taxi drivers are prohibited from wearing t-shirts and must adhere to a formal dress code. In Nova Scotia, it is illegal to paint a wooden ladder, as this could hide structural weaknesses and affect safety. Another peculiar law states that it is illegal to eat ice cream cones on Bank Street in Ottawa on Sundays, a rule that dates back to the early 1900s when strict Sunday regulations were in place.
Some other unusual laws in Canada include the illegality of owning pet rats in Alberta, and the restriction on snowman height to 30 inches. It was also illegal to pretend to practice witchcraft in Canada until 2018, when this law was repealed.
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No purple garage doors
Canada is known for its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and maple syrup. However, it also has some quirky laws. One such law prohibits residents of Kanata, Ontario, from painting their garage doors purple. This law was created as part of the community's design guidelines to maintain a uniform aesthetic in residential areas. While homeowners typically enjoy expressing themselves through their home's exterior, residents of Kanata must opt for different hues for their garage doors.
This peculiar regulation is not an isolated case of unusual laws in Canada. For instance, in Nova Scotia, it is illegal to paint a wooden ladder, prioritising functionality over aesthetics to ensure safety by preventing paint from hiding structural weaknesses. Another odd law states that taxi drivers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, must adhere to a formal dress code and are prohibited from wearing t-shirts. This regulation, aimed at maintaining professionalism and sharpness, might be considered excessive by some.
Canada also has laws that govern the payment methods for purchases. There is a limit of 25 coins for payments, including $25 in loonies, $5 in nickels, or 25 cents in pennies. This law is not strictly enforced by the police, but it gives businesses the right to refuse excessive coin payments. Additionally, it is illegal to remove a bandage in public in Canada due to hygiene concerns and the potential spread of infections.
Some other unusual laws in Canada include the prohibition of eating ice cream cones on Bank Street in Ottawa on Sundays, a restriction dating back to the early 1900s when strict Sunday regulations aimed to preserve public decorum. In Toronto, swearing in a public park can result in a fine of over $200. Furthermore, it was once illegal to pretend to practice witchcraft, and challenging someone to a duel or accepting such a challenge was also prohibited and punishable by up to two years in prison. While some of these laws may seem amusing, it is important to respect and adhere to the legal system when visiting or residing in Canada.
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No feeding pigeons
While Canada is known for its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and maple syrup, it is also home to some bizarre laws. For example, in Halifax, taxi drivers are prohibited from wearing t-shirts as the city enforces a formal dress code. Another odd law is that it is illegal to eat ice cream cones on Bank Street in Ottawa on Sundays. This law dates back to the early 1900s when strict Sunday regulations were in place to preserve public decorum.
One of the strangest laws in Canada is the prohibition on feeding pigeons. While it may seem harmless to feed these birds, doing so can actually cause more harm than good. Pigeons are known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as salmonellosis and cryptococcosis. In addition, the droppings of pigeons can cause respiratory problems and even lead to lung disease. By not feeding pigeons, we can help reduce the pigeon population in urban areas and decrease the health risks associated with them.
The law against feeding pigeons is likely in place to protect public health and safety. Pigeons are considered a nuisance by many people due to their droppings, which can cause damage to buildings and statues. Additionally, pigeons are known to carry ticks, mites, and other parasites that can be harmful to humans. By feeding pigeons, we may be contributing to the spread of these pests and the diseases they carry.
While some people may enjoy feeding pigeons as a hobby or a way to connect with nature, it is important to prioritize the well-being of the community. The law against feeding pigeons is similar to other laws that prohibit feeding wildlife, such as squirrels or deer. These laws are in place to maintain a healthy balance between humans and animals in our urban environments.
It is important to note that while this law may seem odd or excessive, it is crucial to respect and adhere to the legal system in Canada, just as one would in any other country. Ignorance of the law is typically not considered a valid excuse, even if the law seems strange or outdated. So, if you're ever in Canada, remember to refrain from feeding the pigeons and follow the local laws to avoid any unintended consequences.
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No duelling
Canada has a law prohibiting duelling, which may seem like an antiquated rule in the modern era. However, this law was only repealed in 2018, reflecting its relatively recent relevance. The law stated that anyone who challenged someone to a duel, attempted to provoke a duel, or accepted a challenge to duel could be found guilty of an indictable offence. The maximum punishment for breaking this law was two years in prison.
The law against duelling in Canada is a reminder of a time when duelling was a more common method of conflict resolution. While duelling may bring to mind images of sword fights or pistol duels, the Canadian law was broad enough to encompass any form of duelling. This included not only physical confrontations but also any attempts to provoke or challenge someone to a duel, even if no physical combat occurred.
The existence of this law in Canada's recent history raises questions about the reasons for its enactment and subsequent repeal. Duelling laws have a long history, often associated with honour and chivalry, but also recognised as a practice that could lead to serious injury or death. The Canadian law likely sought to deter individuals from engaging in dangerous and potentially fatal duels by imposing criminal penalties.
The decline in duelling as a means of settling disputes may have contributed to the law's repeal in 2018. By that time, duelling was considered an outdated and unacceptable form of conflict resolution. Society had evolved to favour alternative methods of handling disagreements, such as legal avenues or peaceful negotiations. Retaining the law against duelling might have been seen as unnecessary, especially if there were no recent cases of duelling to address.
While the repeal of the law reflects modern sensibilities, it also serves as a reminder of the evolution of societal norms and legal frameworks. Laws are dynamic, adapting to the changing needs and values of society. The repeal of the duelling law in Canada underscores the importance of regularly reviewing and updating legislation to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with current societal expectations.
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No pet rats
It is illegal to own pet rats in Alberta, Canada. In Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, households are limited to owning no more than four pet rats. This restriction is in place to prevent potential rat infestations, as rats are known for their rapid reproduction, with one pair capable of producing over 2,000 offspring in a year. While it may seem odd, this law is designed to maintain public health and safety.
The law regarding pet rats in Canada is certainly unusual and may cause confusion for those unfamiliar with it. It is important to remember that laws are subject to change and evolution, and it is the responsibility of residents and visitors to abide by them. While some may view this particular legislation as unnecessary or excessive, it is essential to recognise that it was likely implemented with a specific purpose in mind, even if the reason behind it remains unclear.
The restriction on the number of pet rats in Port Coquitlam, BC, highlights the potential concerns surrounding rat ownership. Rats are known to reproduce quickly, and a large population of rats could pose health and safety risks. By limiting the number of pet rats per household, the law aims to prevent potential infestations and maintain a safe environment for the community.
While the exact reasons for the prohibition of pet rats in Alberta are not clear, it is possible that similar concerns about rapid reproduction and potential health risks influenced this decision. This law may also be related to cultural or historical perspectives on rats, which are often considered pests. Regardless of the specific motivations, the law currently stands, and those in Alberta cannot legally own pet rats.
It is worth noting that laws can change over time, and it is always advisable to stay informed about the latest regulations. While the restriction on pet rats in Canada may seem unusual, it is essential to respect the legal system and abide by the rules, even if they appear strange or outdated.
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