How Ontario Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Ontario maintains 126 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with curfew laws. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ontario falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Juvenile Curfew

Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 5-7.02 makes it unlawful for anyone under 18 to remain on a public street, park, or other public place between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise unless accompanied by a parent, on a parent-directed errand, returning from a supervised event, exercising First Amendment rights, or otherwise exempt.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to sunrise. Applies to: persons under age 18. Exceptions: 8 listed, incl. parent, work, First Amendment. Parents liable: Sec. 5-7.03. Repeat offenders: police services fee, Sec. 5-7.05.

Violating the curfew, or as a parent knowingly permitting a minor to violate it, is punished under Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 1-2.01, either a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, or, if charged as an infraction, escalating $100/$200/$500 fines; repeat violators can also be billed a separate police services fee under Sec. 5-7.05.

This is one of the stricter rules in Ontario's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Park Curfew

Ontario closes every City-owned park from 9:00 p.m. until sunrise, and entering or staying inside during closure is a misdemeanor under Municipal Code Sec. 10-1.29. The City Council can set an earlier closure by resolution to curb problems at a specific park, and the earlier hours must be posted on-site before they are enforced.

Key details: Curfew hours: 9:00 p.m. to sunrise, daily. Earlier closure: Council resolution, must be posted. Exception: Permitted athletic events plus 1 hour. Violation class: Misdemeanor citywide. Governing section: OMC Sec. 10-1.29.

Entering or staying in an Ontario park after 9:00 p.m. (or an earlier posted hour set by Council resolution) is a misdemeanor under Sec. 10-1.29, as is remaining in a park, building, or facility after it has been closed by the Director, Police Chief, or Fire Chief under Sec. 10-1.30. Camping outside a designated, permitted area under Sec. 10-1.31 is a separate violation.

The Bottom Line

Ontario's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ontario is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Ontario's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.