Although women are allowed to be topless in all public places in Ontario, several
cities have passed by-laws that restrict female toplessness within their borders.
These are probably interim by-laws, as the regions await further clarification from
Ottawa, Queen's Park and the courts.
Cambridge:
Topless swimming prohibited at all (indoor and outdoor) City-owned pools only. However,
Crown attorney currently refuses to prosecute cases as of Aug 15. City considering
private prosecutions.
Guelph:
Similar to Cambridge: Topless swimming prohibited at all City-owned pools.
Hamilton:
Similar to Mississauga: Topless swimming prohibited at indoor City-owned pools only.
Kitchener/Waterloo:
Similar to Cambridge: Topless swimming prohibited at all City-owned pools.
Lindsay:
Similar to Mississauga: Topless swimming prohibited at indoor City-owned pools only.
London:
Similar to Toronto: Women allowed to be topless on all public property. If a patron
at a City-owned pool complains about a topless woman, the staff is instructed to
ask the woman to put on a top, while making it clear that she does't have to. If
the patron continues to complain about the topless woman, staff is instructed to
eject the patron.
Mississauga:
Topless swimming prohibited at indoor City-owned pools only. Mississauga has adopted
a policy at all other City-owned facilites similar to that used in several U.S.
and Canada jurisdictions. If a topless woman is drawing attention to herself and
causing a disturbance, police will be called to the scene. Otherwise, patrons will
be informed that no laws are being broken. If the patrons are insistent, City staff
will supply the telephone number of the police, so that a complaint may be lodged.
Oshawa:
In mid-July, Oshawa City Council passed an interim dress code prohibiting topless
women from all City-owned property, including pools, beaches and parks. City Council
is preparing a dress code by-law, which will not be ready until at least September.
Ottawa:
In mid-July, Ottawa Council passed a by-law prohibiting topless women in public
except at beaches.
Sarnia:
City by-law says, "No person shall bathe in any public park unless attired
in a bathing suit." City interprets and enforces this as prohibiting topless
females.
St. Catharines:
Signs banning topless women posted at all City pools. Lifeguards instructed to call
police if patrons refuse to comply. City lawyer states that offending women may
be charged with trespassing if they don't obey pool rules.
Sudbury:
Similar to Mississauga: Topless swimming prohibited at indoor City-owned pools only.
Toronto:
Toronto has adopted a parks department report that allows women to be topless in
Metro parks/pools or other facilities run by the city. If a complaint is received
from a patron regarding a woman without a top then the parks employee hearing the
complaint may ask the woman to cover up after explaining the concern but the woman
is under no obligation to comply. If she declines to cover up the parks employees
are instructed to advise the person filing the complaint to relocate to another
area of the facility where they may not be further offended by the person without
a top.
Provincial Parks:
Women allowed to be topless anywhere in the park.