Frequently Asked Questions

The Parks By-law (By-law 5306-21) was approved by Council on March 22, 2021.

This By-law is intended to regulate the use of municipally owned parks by establishing rules for the shared public use and enjoyment of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s parks and green spaces, and to support the protection of the natural environment.

No. This is the Town’s first stand-alone Parks By-law.

The Parks By-law applies to all municipally owned parks. Please click here for a complete list of municipally owned parks.

Hours of operation vary between park locations. Please click here for a complete list of parks, their addresses, and hours of operations.

If the public is concerned by activity within a park outside of the permitted hours of operation, they are asked to call the Niagara Regional Police Non-Emergency number at 905-688-4111.

Fire are not permitted within Town parks. Park visitors are not permitted to light, build, or stoke a fire or bonfire or use a portable barbecue, without a permit. Permits will only be issued for Special Events. Click here to learn more about Special Events permits.
Propane Barbecues are permitted at St. Davids Lions Park, Centennial Park, and Memorial Park, please see By-Law 5306A-21 for more information located in the document section. 

Tents and shade structures are not permitted within Town parks, without a permit. An exemption applies for shade shelters for young children in the care of a parent/guardian. Permits will only be issued for Special Events. Click here to learn more about Special Events permits.

No. The use of a metal detector in Town parks is not permitted, as it may potentially disrupt items of archeological significance or historical artifacts under the ground.

No. Alcohol is not permitted in any public parks.*

In Ontario, it is an offence to consume alcohol in any place other than a residence or licensed premise. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited as per Section 31, sub-section 2, of the Liquor Licence Act of Ontario which reads as follows: “No person shall have or consume liquor in any place other than a residence, premises in respect of which a licence or permit is issued; a private place as defined in the regulations; or despite any designation of a place made under section 35 and subject to the regulations,  a public place designated by a by-law made by the council of a municipality.”

*Alcohol consumption may, in some circumstances, be permitted through a Special Events Permit.  Click here to learn more about Special Events permits.

Town Staff is committed to educating the public on the regulations outlined in this By-law. By-law Staff will follow up on complaints made regarding contraventions to this By-law and ask the individual(s) to immediately stop the activity constituting or contributing to such contravention. If necessary, individuals in contravention of the By-law will be asked to leave the park immediately.

Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine and any other penalties imposed pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.33, as amended or any successor thereto. Information relating to specific fines can be found in Schedule A of By-law 5306-21.

Members of the public looking to report contraventions to the Parks By-law can do so in one of the following ways: 

• Call 905-468-3266 during regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
• Email info@notl.com
• Submit and Online Service Request and Complaint Form

 After-hours complaints or urgent issues can be reported by calling the Niagara Regional Police Service's non-emergency line at 905-688-4111.