Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow is calling for a fresh take on how the city governs its parks after taking a photo of a bewildering sign at a park that seems to disallow most things for which people would come to a park.
Matlow contends there are too many outdated and confusing rules that are limiting how residents use public green spaces. City council passed Matlow’s motion entitled Time for Outdated Park Rules to Touch Grass, at a recent city council meeting. It could pave the way for both fewer restrictions and more food options in parks across the city.
The goal? To identify and remove “archaic, burdensome or unnecessary” bylaws that Matlow says no longer reflect how Torontonians use their parks. For example, kids are not allowed to climb trees.
“I’ve got a 12-year-old daughter,” Matlow said. “I would rather her climb a tree than spend a day on a screen.”
The push for reform was sparked by a resident’s photo of a Sunnybrook Park sign with a laundry list of bans: picnics, ball playing, kite flying, Frisbee throwing — even cycling on hills.
“You can’t wrap people in a bubble,” said Matlow. “People need to be able to make responsible risk assessments.”
Many of these activities are only restricted for groups of 25 or more, but that detail isn’t communicated on the signage, leading to confusion. Other rules buried in the bylaw include bans on tree climbing and hot air balloon landings, as well as a surprising restriction on using “profane or abusive language.”
In a city where many residents — particularly those in highrises — see local parks as their only accessible outdoor space, Matlow’s motion argues that it’s time for the city to modernize its thinking. He’s calling on Toronto to embrace a more inclusive, flexible and welcoming approach, where rules focus on safety and respect, rather than arbitrary limits.
Matlow is also asking city staff to explore expanding food and beverage options in parks, citing successful examples from cities around the world. Think Paris-style cafés, snack huts by ice rinks and picnic-friendly kiosks. Small-scale food options can help turn parks into vibrant community spaces where people gather, linger and connect.
Matlow was one of the main proponents behind the move to allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed in Toronto parks. It has proven to be a success, and not the zombie apocalypse that was predicted by some on city council, according to a recent staff report.
The positive response suggests Torontonians are ready for more progressive policies that balance fun with public responsibility.
The councillor’s motion was considered and passed by council from April 24. A two-thirds vote was required to skip a committee referral and move directly to action. Now that it is approved, staff will report back with recommendations by the end of the year.
For a city craving more accessible, lively and community-focused public spaces, this may be the moment when the parks of Toronto finally catch up with its people.
