QUICK TAKEAWAY
Public Urination (peeing in public) is not listed as a crime in the Criminal Code though most large municipalities have bylaws that prohibit it. Fines for offenders range from $200 to $900, the latter given to repeat offenders in Wolfville, N.S.
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What is Public Urination in Canada?
The act of public urinationUrinating in public is not listed as a crime in the Criminal Code though most municipalities give fines to those found doing it. Depending on the circumstances, police could potentially charge you under s.173 (1) of the Code for committing an indecent act, though that charge is usually only laid if someone wilfully exposes themself or masturbates in public.
How Municipalities Deal With Public Urination
Most cities and towns across Canada have bylaws which make it a crime to urinate in public, though some people have voiced concerns that these regulations unfairly target the homeless. From the west coast to the east, here is an overview of how various municipalities deal with this issue.
In Vancouver, Bylaw 9360 [PDF] states that you can be fined $250 for urinating, defecating or expectorating (spitting) in public.
In Calgary, the city passed Bylaws related to public behaviour making it illegal to defecate or urinate in a public place or on private property, with violators fined $300.
In Winnipeg, Bylaw 52/2017 [PDF] states that those found urinating, spitting or defecating on transit property face a $500 fine.
In Toronto, the city has two bylaws dealing with public urination. Bylaw 608 makes it a crime to foul municipal parks while Bylaw 743 addresses urination on public streets, with $500 fines for both.
In Montreal, a Police statement Incivilities notes that urinating or defecating on public property can be met with a $250 fine.
In the town of Wolfville, N.S., Nuisance Party Bylaw states that you can be given a fine of $400 for urinating or defecating outside. That fine bumps up to $600 for a second offence and $900 for repeat offences beyond that.
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Matlow, Miller, Cummins, Thrasher LLP
Matlow, Miller, Cummins, Thrasher LLP
Glossary of Legal Terms
Public urination
The discharge of urine from the body in a public place. Municipal governments may have legislation dealing with this issue.
