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CITY OF EDMONTON
BYLAW 20700
PUBLIC SPACES BYLAW
(CONSOLIDATED ON MAY 19, 2026)
THE CITY OF EDMONTON
BYLAW 20700
PUBLIC SPACES BYLAW
Edmonton City Council enacts:
PART I - PURPOSE AND INTERPRETATION
PURPOSE
1
The purpose of this bylaw is to regulate the City's public spaces
and other areas in a manner that supports fairness, fosters safe
and viable communities and the well-being of the environment,
and promotes responsible stewardship of City assets and
resources.
DEFINITIONS
2 (1)
Unless otherwise specified, words used in this bylaw have the
same meaning as defined in the Municipal Government Act,
RSA 2000, c M-26.
(2)
In this bylaw:
(a)
"bylaw enforcement officer" means a
(i)
peace officer appointed pursuant to the Peace
Officer Act, SA 2006, c P-3.5;
(ii)
bylaw enforcement officer appointed pursuant to
the Enforcement Bylaw, Bylaw 16368; or
(iii)
police officer appointed pursuant to the Police
Act, RSA 2000, c P-17;
(b)
"City" means The City of Edmonton;
(c)
"City Manager" means the City's chief administrative
officer or delegate;
(d)
"designated" includes identifying an area, location, or
object by temporary or permanent signage or other
marking, or publishing a list of designated areas,
locations, or objects;
(e)
"Edmonton Transit Service" means the City's
municipal passenger transportation system;
Bylaw 20700 - Page 1
(f)
"highway" has the same meaning as defined in the
Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6;
(g)
"off-leash area" has the same meaning as defined in the
Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw, Bylaw 13145;
(h)
"park" means a public space, whether developed or not,
that is intended to be used by members of the public for
recreation or general enjoyment and includes:
(i)
lands designated as a "park";
(ii)
lands registered as environmental or municipal
reserve;
(iii)
lands zoned as A - River Valley Zone, NA -
Natural Areas Zone, PSN - Neighbourhood Parks
and Services Zone, PS - Parks and Services Zone,
or PU - Public Utility Zone;
(iv)
a playground;
(v)
a cemetery;
(vi)
a sport field;
(vii)
a skate park or bicycle park;
(viii)
a golf course;
(ix)
an outdoor theatre;
(x)
an outdoor pool or water spray park;
(xi)
an outdoor skating rink;
(xii)
an off-leash area;
(xiii)
squares, plazas, and promenades;
(xiv)
school properties;
(xv)
natural and naturalized areas; and
Bylaw 20700 - Page 2
(xvi)
the North Saskatchewan River Valley, as defined
in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and
Ravine Protection Overlay;
(i)
"sport field" means an area designed and intended for
use in a specific sporting activity and includes ski hills,
soccer, football, and field hockey fields, baseball
diamonds, basketball, tennis, beach volleyball, and
pickleball courts, cricket ovals, golf courses, and similar
areas;
(j)
"patio" means an area outside of a building intended for
the consumption of food or beverages by patrons of
businesses providing such food or beverages;
(k)
"permit" includes a licence, agreement, letter of
permission, or other written approval;
(l)
"public space" means any property, whether publicly or
privately owned, to which members of the public have
access as of right or by express or implied invitation,
whether on payment of a fee or not, and includes:
(i)
property owned or controlled by, or operated as
part of, Edmonton Transit Service including
transit stations and transit vehicles;
(ii)
a highway;
(iii)
a vehicle for hire, as defined in the Vehicle for
Hire Bylaw, Bylaw 17400; and
(iv)
a park;
(m)
"public space fixture" means poles, traffic control
devices, streetlights, waste receptacles, benches, bus
shelters, trees, utility boxes, vending machines, public
art, planters, bicycle racks, message boards, newspaper
boxes, or any other similar item in a public space;
(n)
"roadway" has the same meaning as defined in the
Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6;
Bylaw 20700 - Page 3
(o)
"shared pathway" means a thoroughfare intended for
use by pedestrians, cyclists, and other recreational users
simultaneously that is improved by asphalt, concrete,
brick, or other hard surface;
(p)
"sidewalk" has the same meaning as defined in the
Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6;
(q)
"traffic control device" has the same meaning as
defined in the Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6;
(r)
"transit station" means a public space intended for
awaiting the arrival of, boarding, and disembarking of
transit vehicles and includes light rail transit stations, bus
terminals, bus stops, and bus shelters; and
(s)
"transit vehicle" means a vehicle operated as part of
Edmonton Transit Service, or other municipal transit
service, and includes buses, light rail transit vehicles, and
any other vehicle operated by or on behalf of Edmonton
Transit Service.
RULES FOR
INTERPRETATION
3
The marginal notes and headings in this bylaw are for ease of
reference only.
PART II - GENERAL PROVISIONS
PERMITS
4 (1)
Notwithstanding anything in this bylaw, a person may engage in
any behaviour or activity otherwise regulated or prohibited by
this bylaw if the person has been issued a permit allowing for the
behaviour or activity.
(2)
A person must not contravene a term or condition of a permit
issued pursuant to this bylaw.
(3)
If a person contravenes a term or condition of a permit, the
permit is immediately deemed invalid.
DESIGNATION
5 (1)
The City Manager may designate all or part of a public space as
an area where any behaviour or activity that is otherwise
permitted or restricted by this bylaw is permitted or restricted.
(2)
A person must comply with any designation made in accordance
with this section.
Bylaw 20700 - Page 4
CITY MANAGER
ROLE
6
In addition to any other power, duty, or function prescribed by
this bylaw, the City Manager may:
(a)
issue, impose terms and conditions on, and revoke
permits;
(b)
waive any requirement for the issuance of a permit,
including reducing or waiving the applicable fee;
(c)
approve forms;
(d)
establish and impose fees;
(e)
DELETED
(S.10(a), Bylaw 21424, March 17, 2026)
(f)
prescribe criteria for any permits, designations, or
approvals not otherwise specified in this bylaw;
(g)
close a public space, or portion of a public space, on a
temporary or permanent basis;
(h)
designate, on a temporary or permanent basis, a public
space, or portion of a public space, as a smoking area or
no smoking area;
(i)
designate, on a temporary or permanent basis, a public
space, portion of a public space, or object in a public
space, as a designated area, location, or object for the
purpose of this bylaw;
(j)
grant exclusive or licensed use of a public space owned
or operated by the City to a person, and impose terms and
conditions for that use;
(k)
prescribe practices and determine the proper allocation of
resources for the enforcement of this bylaw, including the
discretion to defer enforcement and any enforcement
protocols;
(l)
certify a record of the City as a true copy of the original;
(m)
carry out any inspection necessary to determine
compliance with this bylaw; and
Bylaw 20700 - Page 5
(n)
delegate any power, duty, or function under this bylaw.
EMPLOYEES
7
Notwithstanding anything in this bylaw, a City employee or
agent may undertake any behaviour or activity otherwise
regulated or prohibited by this bylaw if the behaviour or activity
is reasonably within their scope of duties.
OBSTRUCTION
8
A person must not obstruct or hinder the City Manager or a
bylaw enforcement officer in the exercise of any of their powers,
duties or functions under this bylaw, including its enforcement.
PART III - ANIMALS
DEFINITIONS
9
In this part:
(a)
"dog" means any domesticated dog;
(b)
"wildlife" means a non-domesticated vertebrate animal,
or a vertebrate that is wild by nature and living in its
natural habitat, including feral cats; and
(c)
a person in care or control of a dog includes the owner of
a dog, as shown in a City licence record, or a person in
actual or apparent possession or control of a property
where the dog apparently resides.
(d)
"serious injury" includes any physical injury to a person
or animal that requires medical attention, and includes:
i) wounds requiring sutures;
ii) wounds requiring repair and closing, or surgery;
iii) disfiguring or scarring lacerations;
iv) broken bones, severe pains, physical trauma, or
v) any other injury assessed by a bylaw enforcement
officer to be level 4 or higher on the Dunbar Dog
Bite Scale, or an equivalent dog bite injury scale;
(S.65 (2)(a), Bylaw 21244, May 19, 2026)
Bylaw 20700 - Page 6
DOG ON LEASH
10 (1)
A person having care or control of a dog must have it under
control and held on a leash not exceeding 2 metres in length.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to:
(a)
an off-leash area;
(b)
property owned or occupied by the person in care or
control of a dog; or
(c)
privately-owned property where the owner or lawful
occupier has given permission for the dog to be off-leash.
RESTRICTED DOG
IN OFF-LEASH
AREA
11
A person having care or control of a vicious dog as defined in
the Animal Care and Control Bylaw, Bylaw 21244, must not
permit it to enter, or remain in, an off-leash area.
(S.65 (2)(b), 21244, May 19, 2026)
TRANSIT SPACES
12 (1)
A person must not bring an animal into a transit vehicle or transit
station unless it is housed within a confined structure such as a
cage, carrier, or kennel.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to a service dog, as defined in the
Service Dogs Act, SA 2007, c S-7.5.
PARKS
13
A person having care or control of a dog in a park must ensure
the dog is not within any playground, sport field, or picnic area.
WASTE REMOVAL
14
A person having care or control of a dog must immediately
remove any defecation left by the dog in a public space.
DOG ATTACKS
15 (1)
A person having care or control of a dog must ensure that the
dog does not:
(a)
damage property or chase any person or animal;
(b)
chase, attack, or bite any person or animal;
(c)
attack or bite any animal causing serious injury; or;
(d)
attack or bite any person causing serious injury, or animal
causing death;
Bylaw 20700 - Page 7
(S.65 (2)(c-f), Bylaw 21244, May 19, 2026)
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply if the chase, attack, bite, or
damage is a direct result of the dog being provoked.
FEEDING WILDLIFE
16 (1)
A person must not feed, attempt to feed, or deposit food in a
public space where it is likely to be consumed by wildlife.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to feral cats.
INJURY TO
WILDLIFE
17 (1)
A person must not kill, injure, trap, or disturb wildlife in a park.
(2)
A person must not touch, damage, disturb, or remove any
wildlife den, nest, or eggs therein, in a park.
(3)
Subsection (1) does not apply to recreational fishing.
PART IV - CLOSED PUBLIC SPACES
CLOSED SPACES
18 (1)
A person must not enter into, pass through, or remain in a public
space, or portion of a public space, that has been temporarily or
permanently closed.
(2)
For the purpose of this section, a public space is deemed closed
if:
(a)
signage is present indicating the area is closed;
(b)
physical barriers such as doors, fences, or gates are
present;
(c)
it is a dedicated Edmonton Transit Service right of way
or LRT tunnel, or contains tracks used by transit vehicles,
except at designated crossing areas when all warning
gates, lights, or bells are inactive;
(d)
it is an area beyond the safety line near the edge of a
platform in a transit station, except when entering or
exiting a transit vehicle; or
(e)
payment of a fee is required prior to entry or use of the
public space, if the full amount of the fee is not paid.
Bylaw 20700 - Page 8
PART V - COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
COMMERCIAL
ACTIVITIES
19
In this part, "commercial activity" includes:
(a)
selling, distributing, or displaying for sale, any good or
service;
(b)
offering services for a fee; and
(c)
conducting a business or commercial venture.
TRANSIT SPACES
20
A person must not engage in commercial activity in a transit
vehicle or transit station.
PARKS &
HIGHWAYS
21 (1) A person must not engage in a commercial activity in a park or
on a highway.
PERMITTED
VENDORS
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to vendors holding a valid Food
Truck / Food Cart business licence issued pursuant to the
Business Licence Bylaw, Bylaw 20002.
(3)
Nothing in this section exempts a vendor from complying with
any other provision of this bylaw or any other enactment.
PART VI - CONSUMPTION OF SUBSTANCES
DEFINITIONS
22
In this part:
(a)
"building" means an enclosed or substantially enclosed
building or structure, except a building designed,
intended, and used exclusively as a private residence;
(b)
"cannabis" has the same meaning as defined in the
Cannabis Act (Canada);
(c)
"controlled substance" has the same meaning as defined
in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada);
(d)
"entertainment district" means a public space, or
Bylaw 20700 - Page 9
portion of a public space, designated as an entertainment
district in Schedule B;
(e)
"licensed premises" has the same meaning as defined in
the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, RSA 2000, c G-1;
(f)
"liquor" has the same meaning as defined in the Gaming,
Liquor and Cannabis Act, RSA 2000, c G-1;
(g)
"no smoking area" means any public space, or portion
of a public space, designated as an area where smoking
or vaping is prohibited;
(h)
"smoke" means to smoke, hold, or otherwise have
control over a heated or lit tobacco product, tobacco-like
product, or cannabis;
(i)
"smoking area" means any public space, or portion of a
public space, designated as an area where smoking or
vaping is permitted;
(j)
"tobacco product" means a product composed in whole
or in part of tobacco, including tobacco leaves, cigars,
and cigarettes;
(k)
"tobacco-like product" means a product, other than a
tobacco product, composed in whole or in part of plants
or plant products, or any extract of them, and includes
shisha and hookah;
(l)
"vape" means to inhale or exhale the vapour produced by
a vaping product; and
(m)
"vaping product" has the same meaning as defined in
the Tobacco, Smoking and Vaping Reduction Act, SA
2005, c T-3.8.
ALCOHOL
23 (1)
A person must not use or consume liquor in a public space.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to:
(a)
designated picnic areas during posted hours;
(b)
licensed premises; and
Bylaw 20700 - Page 10
(c)
entertainment districts.
(3)
While in an entertainment district, a person must:
(a)
only consume or serve liquor in a non-glass container
approved by the City Manager for use in the
entertainment district;
(b)
not remove liquor purchased in an entertainment district
from the entertainment district; and
(c)
leave the entertainment district if directed to do so by the
City Manager or a bylaw enforcement officer.
CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCES
24 (1)
A person must not visibly possess, display, use, or consume a
controlled substance in a public space.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to supervised consumption
services, as defined in the Mental Health Services Protection
Regulation, Alta Reg 114/2021.
SMOKING
25 (1)
A person must not smoke or vape:
(a)
inside a building;
(b)
on a patio;
(c)
inside a vehicle for hire, as defined in the Vehicle for
Hire Bylaw, Bylaw 17400, or transit vehicle;
(d)
within any school property, child care facility property,
cemetery, or transit station;
(e)
within 10 metres of a bus stop, doorway, or openable
window or air intake of a building or patio;
(f)
within a playground, sport field, skate park, bicycle park,
golf course, outdoor theatre, outdoor pool, water spray
park, outdoor skating rink, or off-leash area;
(g)
within Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza,
Fort Edmonton Park, John Janzen Nature Centre,
Edmonton Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, or William
Hawrelak Park; or
Bylaw 20700 - Page 11
(h)
within a no smoking area.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person may smoke or vape in
a smoking area.
(3)
A person who owns or occupies a place where smoking or
vaping is prohibited by this section shall not permit any person
to smoke or vape in that place.
(4)
Nothing in this section affects the rights of Indigenous peoples
respecting traditional spiritual or cultural practices or
ceremonies.
DIRECTION TO
STOP
26 (1)
A person must stop displaying, using, or consuming alcohol or a
controlled substance in a public space if directed to do so by a
bylaw enforcement officer.
(2)
A person must stop smoking or vaping in a public space if
directed to do so by a bylaw enforcement officer.
PROSECUTION
27
In a prosecution for a contravention of this part:
(a)
it is not necessary to specify, or that a witness testify to,
the precise description, brand, or name of the liquor,
tobacco product, tobacco-like product, cannabis, vaping
product, or controlled substance used in the offence;
(b)
the Court may, in the absence of evidence to the contrary,
infer that a product is liquor, a tobacco product,
tobacco-like product, cannabis, vaping product, or
controlled substance from the fact that a witness
describes it by a name that is commonly used to describe
liquor, a tobacco product, tobacco-like product, cannabis,
vaping product, or controlled substance; and
(c)
evidence
(i)
that a substance had an odour of liquor, a tobacco
product, tobacco-like product, cannabis, vaping
product, or controlled substance, or
(ii)
that a substance appeared to be labelled or
packaged as liquor, a tobacco product,
tobacco-like product, cannabis, vaping product, or
controlled substance
Bylaw 20700 - Page 12
is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, sufficient to
establish that the substance was liquor, a tobacco product,
tobacco-like product, cannabis, vaping product, or
controlled substance.
PART VII - FIRE AND FIREWORKS
FIRES
28 (1)
A person must not start, or allow to remain lit, a fire in a public
space.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to:
(a)
an outdoor recreational, traditional, cultural, ceremonial,
or spiritual fire fuelled only by dry, preservative-free
wood or wood products that is fully contained within a
designated fire pit; or
(b)
a cooking fire fuelled by either propane gas or charcoal
that is fully contained within a barbecue or other cooking
appliance placed upon a concrete or other
non-combustible surface intended for such use.
(3)
A person must not leave a fire permitted by this section
unattended.
(4)
A person must ensure that a fire permitted by this section is fully
extinguished and all embers and coals are cold.
FIREWORKS
29 (1)
In this section:
(a)
"firecracker" means any device that explodes
instantaneously when ignited and does not produce any
subsequent display or visible effect after the explosion,
but does not include paper caps containing not more than
16.2 mg of explosive per cap; and
(b)
"fireworks" means display fireworks, consumer
fireworks, and special effect pyrotechnics fireworks, as
regulated by the Explosives Regulations, 2013 (Canada).
(2)
A person must not discharge firecrackers or fireworks in a public
space or any other location unless a permit has been issued for
the discharge.
Bylaw 20700 - Page 13
(3)
A person applying for a discharge permit must provide all of the
following to the City Manager at least 10 business days prior to
the discharge:
(a)
a completed application form;
(b)
a site map;
(c)
proof that the applicant holds a valid Commercial
General Liability insurance policy in an amount not less
than $5,000,000 per occurrence for personal and bodily
injury and/or property damage, with the City named as an
additional insured;
(d)
proof of permission to discharge from the owner or
occupant of the property where the discharge will occur;
(e)
proof that the applicant holds a valid fireworks operator
certificate pursuant to the Explosives Regulations, 2013
(Canada);
(f)
complete safety, emergency, and site remediation plans;
(g)
the applicable fee(s); and
(h)
any other information reasonably required by the City
Manager to process the application.
PART VIII - INAPPROPRIATE ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOURS
WEAPONS
30 (1)
In this section, "weapon" includes, but is not limited to:
(a)
firearms, including pellet, BB, or air guns;
(b)
bow and/or arrows;
(c)
hunting or utility knives;
(d)
machetes;
(e)
oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin spray, or any other
liquid, spray, powder, or substance that is capable of
injuring, immobilizing, or incapacitating a person or
Bylaw 20700 - Page 14
animal;
(f)
brass knuckles, including any similar device containing a
band of hard material and one or more holes designed to
fit over the fingers of a hand;
(g)
any device that is designed to be capable of injuring,
immobilizing, or incapacitating a person or animal by
discharging an electrical charge produced by means of
the amplification or accumulation of electrical current
generated by a battery;
(h)
prohibited weapons, as defined in the Criminal Code
(Canada); and
(i)
any loaded object capable of firing a projectile.
(2)
A person must not visibly possess, display, discharge, or use a
weapon in a public space.
(3)
A person must not possess a weapon described in subsection
(1)(e) in a public space if:
(a)
the manufacturer's safety features have been tampered
with, removed, or disabled; or
(b)
the label has been tampered with, removed, defaced, or
obstructed.
DANGEROUS
ACTIONS
31
A person must not aim, throw, propel, or drop any object or
substance in or towards a public place if that object or substance
may reasonably cause injury to another person or damage to
property.
FIGHTING
32
A person must not participate in a fight or similar physical
confrontation in a public space.
HARASSMENT
33 (1)
In this section:
(a)
"communicate" and "communication" includes, but is
not limited to, words spoken, written, or recorded
electronically or electro-magnetically or otherwise, as
well as gestures, signs, or other visible representations;
and
Bylaw 20700 - Page 15
(b)
"harassed" includes, but is not limited to:
(i)
feeling tormented, troubled, worried, plagued, or
badgered;
(ii)
experiencing objectionable or unwelcome
conduct, comment, bullying, or actions that could
reasonably cause offence or humiliation,
including conduct, comment, bullying, or actions
because of race, religious beliefs, colour,
disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital
status, source of income, family status, gender,
gender identity, gender expression, sexual
orientation; or
(iii)
a sexual solicitation or advance.
(2)
A person must not communicate, or cause or permit
communication, in a public space with any person in a way that
causes that person, reasonably in all the circumstances, to feel
harassed.
INAPPROPRIATE
BEHAVIOURS
34
A person must not engage in behaviour or actions in a public
space that would reasonably be expected to interfere with the
physical or psychological safety of others, including City
employees and other public space users, including, but not
limited to:
(a)
standing or being in any other position so as to obstruct
an entrance to a building or other structure;
(b)
obstructing pedestrians or other users from using the
public space for its intended purpose; or
(c)
crowding, jostling, or harassing other public space users.
CAUSING DAMAGE
35
A person must not cause damage to or interfere with the
intended use of property in a public space, or the public space
itself, if the property or public space does not belong to that
person.
INTERFERE WITH
OTHERS
36
A person must not interfere with the exclusive or licensed use of
any portion of a public space granted to another person.
USE OF TRANSIT
37
A person must not remain in a transit vehicle or transit station
Bylaw 20700 - Page 16
SPACES FOR
NON-TRANSIT
PURPOSES
while engaging in behaviours or activities other than those
related to using Edmonton Transit Service.
PANHANDLING
38 (1)
In this section:
(a)
"aggressive manner" includes, but is not limited to:
(i)
obstructing or impeding the passage of a person
or vehicle;
(ii)
making continued requests or solicitations after
receiving a negative response;
(iii)
insulting, threatening, coercing, or intimidating a
person;
(iv)
making physical contact with a person; or
(v)
being intoxicated; and
(b)
"panhandle" means a request or solicitation made
verbally or otherwise for the gratuitous provision of
money, services, or goods from another person.
(2)
A person must not panhandle in an aggressive manner in a
public space.
(3)
A person must not panhandle within a roadway, on a median
between roadways, or on a boulevard adjacent to a roadway.
MOVING TRANSIT
VEHICLES
39
A person must not enter or exit, or attempt to enter or exit, a
moving transit vehicle.
PART IX - PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
SPECIAL EVENTS
40 (1)
In this section, "special event" means an event or gathering in a
public space owned or operated by the City where 100 or more
people are, or anticipated to be, in attendance.
(2)
A person must not organize or participate in a special event
unless a permit has been issued for that special event.
(3)
The City Manager must not unreasonably withhold or refuse a
Bylaw 20700 - Page 17
permit for a special event.
(4)
A permit for a special event may include any conditions the City
Manager deems reasonable, including, but not limited to,
conditions:
(a)
to ensure safety or security;
(b)
to support safe and efficient traffic control;
(c)
for the protection of City assets; and
(d)
imposing fees for the use of the public space, provision
of services by the City, and any incidental costs incurred
by the City for the special event.
(5)
Nothing in this section will be applied or interpreted to prevent
the exercise of fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
TRANSIT SPACES
41
A person must not offer or stage a live musical or other
performance in a transit vehicle or transit station unless the
person is within an area designated as a performance space.
PART X - PROTECTION OF PUBLIC SPACES
LITTERING
42
A person must not leave any garbage, litter, refuse, or other
material in a public space except in a receptacle designed and
intended for such use.
URINATING OR
DEFECATING
43
A person must not urinate or defecate in a public space except in
a facility designed and intended for such use.
SPITTING
44
A person must not spit in a public space.
CHEMICALS AND
HAZARDOUS WASTE
45 (1)
In this section,
(a)
"biomedical waste" has the same meaning as defined in
the Waste Control Regulation, Alta Reg 192/1996;
(b)
"hazardous waste" has the same meaning as defined in
the Waste Control Regulation, Alta Reg 192/1996; and
(c)
"pesticide" has the same meaning as defined in the
Bylaw 20700 - Page 18
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, RSA
2000, c E-12, and includes herbicides.
(2)
A person must not leave or apply paint, grease, pesticide,
biomedical waste, hazardous waste, or other chemicals in a
public space.
REMAINS
46 (1)
A person must not scatter or deposit cremated remains in a
public space.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to the North Saskatchewan River
or any other open water creek or ravine.
TEMPORARY
SHELTERS
47 (1)
In this section, "temporary shelter" means a tent, lean-to, or
other similar temporary structure.
(2)
A person must not establish or occupy a temporary shelter in a
public space for the purpose of sheltering.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not apply to a public space operating as a
permitted campground.
STRUCTURES
48 (1)
A person must not build or place a permanent or semi-permanent
structure in a public space.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to structures built or placed by the
owner or lawful occupier of the public space.
PUBLIC SPACE
FIXTURES
49
A person must not climb on, or otherwise interfere with or
damage, a public space fixture.
UNAUTHORIZED
USE OF PARKS
50 (1)
In this section, "unauthorized use" means
(a)
constructing, storing, erecting, or placing anything in a
park, including, but not limited to:
(i)
a driveway, parking pad or site, stairway,
walkway, pool, deck, hard-surfaced area, wall,
fence, or other temporary or permanent structure;
(ii)
landscaping, gardens, ice rinks, sport fields, or
irrigation or electrical systems;
(iii)
drainage facilities including, but not limited to
pipes, catch basins, sumps, swales, detention
Bylaw 20700 - Page 19
ponds, and ancillary structures; or
(iv)
staging, scaffolding, material, machinery, or tools;
or
(b)
maintaining or altering a park, including, but not limited
to digging, cutting, excavating, piling, or filling.
(2)
A person must not make unauthorized use of a park.
(3)
In a prosecution for a contravention of this section, evidence that
a person owns land contiguous to the location in the park where
the unauthorized use occurs is proof that the person is
responsible for the unauthorized use.
NATURAL
FEATURES
51 (1)
In this section, "damage" includes, but is not limited to digging,
excavating, mowing, landscaping, and pruning.
(2)
A person must not damage or remove any tree, shrub, or other
vegetation or natural materials in a public space, unless the
person has permission from the owner or lawful occupier of the
public space.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not apply to harvesting of edible or
medicinal berries, produce, nuts, fruits, and plant products for
personal use, provided the harvesting does not cause damage to
the vegetation or public space.
(4)
Nothing in this section affects the rights of Indigenous peoples
respecting traditional spiritual or cultural practices or
ceremonies.
52
A person must not plant a tree, shrub, or other vegetation in a
public space, unless the person has permission from the owner or
lawful occupier of the public space.
TRANSIT SPACES
53
A person must not force open or close, or otherwise interfere
with the operation of, doors or windows of a transit vehicle.
54
A person must not place anything in the aisle of a transit vehicle
that may impede or interfere with the movement of passengers.
PART XI - RECREATION
DRONES
55 (1)
A person must not operate a remotely piloted aircraft system, as
Bylaw 20700 - Page 20
defined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Canada) from
within or over a public space.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to the operation of a remotely
piloted aircraft system that weighs less than 250 grams within a
designated area.
AIRBORNE CRAFT
56
A person must not launch or land a hot-air balloon, hang-glider,
ultra-light aircraft, or other airborne craft in a public space.
ROCKETS
57
A person must not launch a rocket, model aircraft, or other
power-assisted flying apparatus in a public space.
STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT
FACILITIES
58
A person must not skate, swim, wade, boat, fish, or engage in
any similar activity in a stormwater management facility.
SKATING
59
A person must not skate or walk on ice on the North
Saskatchewan River.
BOATS
60 (1)
A person must not launch or remove a motorized watercraft into
or from the North Saskatchewan River except at a designated
location.
(2)
A person must not operate a motorized watercraft on any body
of water in a manner that may cause damage to persons,
property, or the environment.
LIFEJACKETS
61 (1)
A person must wear an approved lifejacket or personal floatation
device at all times while in, on, or holding on to any vessel being
used as a means of water transportation on the North
Saskatchewan River or other body of water.
(2)
The lifejacket or personal floatation device referred to in
subsection (1) must be worn in a way and in a condition capable
of adequately sustaining the person in the water without effort or
motion of any kind.
(3)
This section does not apply to persons:
(a)on the Edmonton Riverboat; or
(b)operating racing canoes, racing kayaks, or rowing shells
when exempted by and in compliance with the Small
Vessel Regulations (Canada).
Bylaw 20700 - Page 21
PART XII - SIGNS AND MARKINGS
DEFINITIONS
62
In this part, "marking" means any mark on a public space
fixture or other surface, including sidewalks, roadways, and
shared pathways, made using ink, pigment, dye, stencils, paint,
etching, burning, or any other means, but does not include
sidewalk chalk.
MARKINGS
63
A person must not place any marking on any surface in a public
space.
PUBLIC SPACE
FIXTURES
64 A person must not place a marking on or attach a sign, sticker,
decal, or poster to any public space fixture, except for a public
space fixture designed and intended for such use, or with
permission from the owner of the public space fixture.
SIGN ON HIGHWAY
65 (1)
A person must not place a sign on a highway unless the sign is:
(a)
less than 0.6 square metres in total size;
(b)
at least 15 metres away from an intersection;
(c)
at least 30 metres away from a transit station;
(d)
at least 20 metres away from another sign posted by the
same person or depicting the same person or topic;
(e)
at least 5 metres away from a fire hydrant;
(f)
at least 10 metres away from a crosswalk;
(g)
at least 2 metres from the curb or edge of, and not within,
a roadway;
(h)
not placed on a median or traffic island;
(i)
not permanently affixed;
(j)
not higher than 1 metre when measured from the surface
to the top of the sign;
Bylaw 20700 - Page 22
(k)
not electrified or inflatable; and
(l)
not damaged, derelict, or unsightly.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to election signs or election
advertisements.
(S.10(b), Bylaw 21424, March 17, 2026)
(3)
Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), a person must not place
a sign that
(a)
resembles, confuses the meaning of, or obstructs a traffic
control device;
(b)
creates a hazard for pedestrians or any public space user;
or
(c)
results in ground disturbance or other damage to the
public space.
PARKS & TRANSIT
SPACES
66
A person must not place a sign in a park, transit vehicle, or
transit station.
GRAFFITI
67
A person must not place graffiti on any building, structure,
public space fixture, or vehicle in a public space.
PROSECUTION
68
In a prosecution for a contravention of this part, any person
referred to in a sign, sticker, decal, poster, marking, or graffiti,
whether directly or indirectly, is presumed to have placed the
sign, sticker, decal, poster, marking, or graffiti.
REMOVAL
69 (1)
The City Manager or a bylaw enforcement officer may remove
any sign, sticker, decal, poster, marking, or graffiti placed in a
public space that does not comply with this part.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in this part, the City Manager or a
bylaw enforcement officer may remove any sign, sticker, decal,
poster, marking, or graffiti that interferes with City operations or
maintenance activities.
Bylaw 20700 - Page 23
PART XIII - TRANSIT FARES
DEFINITIONS
70 In this part:
(a)
"fare" means the fee established by the City Manager for
transportation in a transit vehicle;
(b)
"payment card" means a credit card, debit card, or Arc
Card;
(c)
"prepaid fare product" means proof of prepayment of a
required fare, and includes a validated Edmonton Transit
Service ticket, monthly or annual pass, transfer, or other
fare medium issued by Edmonton Transit Service;
(d)
"proof of payment" means proof of payment of a
required fare as demonstrated by:
(i)
a valid, unexpired, and unaltered prepaid fare
product; or
(ii)
a payment card that, when used or contacted with
an Edmonton Transit Service fare validation
device, produces confirmation that the fare has
been paid; and
(e)
"proof of payment area" means a transit vehicle and
any portion of a transit station designated as a proof of
payment area.
FARE PAYMENT
71 (1)
A person must pay the required fare prior to entering, or
immediately upon entry to, a proof of payment area.
(2)
A person carrying a valid, unexpired, and unaltered prepaid fare
product is deemed to be in compliance with subsection (1).
PROOF OF
PAYMENT
72
A person in a proof of payment area must present proof of
payment when requested to do so by a bylaw enforcement
officer.
RESTRICTED FARE
OPTIONS
73
A person must not present proof of payment of a fare that is
subject to restrictions if the person does not qualify for that fare.
NON-
TRANSFERABLE
74
A person must not transfer or resell a prepaid fare product to
another person unless the prepaid fare product indicates that it is
Bylaw 20700 - Page 24
transferable.
FRAUDULENT FARE
PRODUCTS
75
A person must not possess or present an altered, fraudulent, or
stolen proof of payment.
PAYMENT CARD
PRESUMPTIONS
76
In a prosecution for a contravention of this part:
(a)
where a certified copy of a record of the City containing
a list of payment cards provided as payment of a fare on
or about the date and time of the alleged offence is
tendered:
(i)
the Court may conclude that the absence of a
payment card from the record is proof that the
required fare has not been paid; and
(ii)
where a payment card is absent from the record,
the onus of proving a person has paid the required
fare is on the person alleging the required fare has
been paid on a balance of probabilities; and
(b)
if a payment card is used or contacted with an Edmonton
Transit Service fare validation device and the device does
not produce confirmation that the fare has been paid:
(i)
the Court may conclude that the absence of
confirmation is proof that the required fare has
not been paid; and
(ii)
where confirmation is absent, the onus of proving
a person has paid the required fare is on the
person alleging the required fare has been paid on
a balance of probabilities.
PART XIV - VEHICLES
DEFINITIONS
77
In this part:
(a)
"bicycle" means any cycle propelled by human muscular
power on which a person may ride regardless of the
number of wheels the cycle may have;
(b)
"e-bicycle" means a bicycle that is equipped with an
Bylaw 20700 - Page 25
electric motor;
(c)
"e-scooter" means a vehicle that:
(i)
consists of a footboard mounted on two or three
wheels with a long steering handle; and
(ii)
is permitted to operate on a highway under the
Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6;
(d)
"motor vehicle" has the same meaning as defined in the
Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6;
(e)
"off-highway vehicle" has the same meaning as defined
in the Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6; and
(f)
"vehicle" has the same meaning as defined in the Traffic
Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6.
SIDEWALKS
78 (1)
A person must not ride a bicycle, e-bicycle, e-scooter, on a
sidewalk.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to a shared pathway or persons
aged 16 years and under.
TRANSIT SPACES
79
A person must not ride a bicycle, e-bicycle, e-scooter, inline
skates, roller skates, or skateboard, or any similar device, on a
transit vehicle or in a transit station, except on a shared pathway.
INDOOR PUBLIC
SPACES
80
A person must not ride a bicycle, e-bicycle, e-scooter, inline
skates, roller skates, or skateboard, or any similar device, in an
indoor public space.
PARKS
81 (1)
A person must not operate an off-highway vehicle in a park.
(2)
A person must not operate or park a motor vehicle in a park
except on a roadway or designated parking area.
CONDUCT
82
When riding a bicycle, e-bicycle, e-scooter, inline skates, roller
skates, or skateboard, or any similar device, a person must:
(a)
yield the right of way to pedestrians and slower moving
persons;
(b)
alert any person about to be overtaken by giving an
audible signal and reasonable time before overtaking;
Bylaw 20700 - Page 26
(c)
use reasonable care when overtaking another person;
(d)
keep the vehicle under control and travelling at a
reasonable rate of speed having regard to the nature,
condition, and use of the surface and surrounding area;
(e)
not ride on any surface where riding results in, or can
reasonably be expected to, cause damage to the surface.
PART XV - ENFORCEMENT
DEFINITIONS
83
In this part:
(a)
"municipal tag" has the same meaning as defined in the
Enforcement Bylaw, Bylaw 16368; and
(b)
"violation ticket" has the same meaning as defined in
the Enforcement Bylaw, Bylaw 16368.
OFFENCE
84
A person who contravenes this bylaw is guilty of an offence.
CONTINUING
OFFENCE
85
In the case of an offence that is of a continuing nature:
(a)
a contravention constitutes a separate offence in respect
of each day, or part of a day, on which it continues and a
person guilty of such an offence is liable to a fine for
each such day; and
(b)
the City Manager or a bylaw enforcement officer may
take steps to cease or prevent the continuation of, or
otherwise remedy, the offence.
FINE AMOUNT
86 (1)
A person found guilty of an offence under this bylaw is liable to
a fine as set out in Schedule A.
(2)
If a fine amount for an offence is not set out in Schedule A, a
person found guilty of that offence is liable to a fine in an
amount of $250.
(3)
If a person is guilty of a subsequent offence, the fine amounts
established in this section are doubled.
MUNICIPAL TAG
87 (1)
A municipal tag may be issued for any offence under this bylaw.
Bylaw 20700 - Page 27
(2)
If a municipal tag is issued for an offence, the municipal tag
must specify the fine amount established by this bylaw for the
offence.
PAYMENT IN LIEU
OF PROSECUTION
88
A person who commits an offence may, if a municipal tag is
issued for the offence, pay the fine amount established by this
bylaw for the offence, and if the full amount is paid on or before
the required date, the person will not be prosecuted for the
offence.
VIOLATION TICKET
89 (1)
If a violation ticket is issued for an offence under this bylaw, the
violation ticket may:
(a)
specify the fine amount established by this bylaw for the
offence; or
(b)
require a person to appear in Court without the
alternative of making a voluntary payment.
(2)
A person who commits an offence may, if a violation ticket is
issued specifying the fine amount established by this bylaw for
the offence, make a voluntary payment equal to the specified
fine amount.
PROOF OF PERMIT
90
The onus of proving that a person has a valid permit for the
purpose of this bylaw is on the person alleging the permit on a
balance of probabilities.
PROOF OF
DESIGNATION
91
The onus of proving that an area, location, or object is
designated for the purpose of this bylaw is on the person alleging
the designation on a balance of probabilities.
CERTIFIED COPY
92
A copy of a record of the City, certified by the City Manager as a
true copy of the original, will be admitted in evidence as prima
facie proof of the facts stated in the record without proof of the
appointment or signature of the person signing it.
VICARIOUS
LIABILITY
93
For the purpose of this bylaw, an act or omission by an employee
or agent of a person is deemed to be an act or omission of the
person if the act or omission occurred in the course of the
employee's employment or agency relationship with the person.
CORPORATIONS &
PARTNERSHIPS
94 (1)
If a corporation commits an offence under this bylaw, every
principal, director, manager, officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation who authorized, assented to, acquiesced, or
participated in the act or omission that constitutes the offence is
Bylaw 20700 - Page 28
guilty of the offence whether or not the corporation has been
prosecuted for the offence.
(2)
If a partner in a partnership is guilty of an offence under this
bylaw, each partner in that partnership who authorized, assented
to, acquiesced, or participated in the act or omission that
constitutes the offence is guilty of the offence.
PART XVI - TRANSITIONAL
COMING INTO
FORCE
95
This bylaw comes into force on May 12, 2025.
CONSEQUENTIAL
AMENDMENTS
96 (1)
Bylaw 5590, Traffic Bylaw, is amended as follows:
(a)
in section 2(s), by deleting and replacing "has the same
meaning as in City of Edmonton Bylaw 2202 the
Parkland Bylaw, as amended;" with "means a park, as
defined in the Public Spaces Bylaw, Bylaw 20700"; and
(b)
by deleting sections 49, 49.1, 50, 51, 52, 60, 61, 63, 64,
64.1, 65, and 67.
(2)
Bylaw 13145, Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw, is amended
as follows:
(a)
in section 2(i.i), by deleting "under this bylaw";
(b)
by adding section 2(i.i)(iv) following section 2(i.i)(iii):
(iv) section 14 of the Public Spaces Bylaw, Bylaw 20700;
(c)
in section 2(o)(i), by deleting and replacing "under this
bylaw" with "under this bylaw or the Public Spaces
Bylaw, Bylaw 20700";
(d)
in section 2(o)(ii), by deleting and replacing "under this
bylaw" with "under this bylaw or the Public Spaces
Bylaw, Bylaw 20700"; and
(e)
by deleting section 30.
(3)
Bylaw 16368, Enforcement Bylaw, is amended by deleting and
replacing section 20 with:
Bylaw 20700 - Page 29
Unless otherwise stated in a bylaw, a person found guilty of an
offence under a bylaw is liable to a fine in an amount not less
than that specified in the bylaw, and in any event not exceeding
$10,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year for
non-payment of the fine.
(4)
Bylaw 18093, Drainage Bylaw, is amended by deleting section
14(1).
(5)
Bylaw 20002, Business License Bylaw, is amended as follows:
(a)
in Schedule B - Application Requirements, adding "FRS"
under "Notification" for the Business Category of Food
Truck / Food Cart.
REPEAL
97 (1)
Bylaw 2202, Parkland Bylaw, is repealed.
(2)
Bylaw 8353, Conduct of Transit Passengers Bylaw, is repealed.
(3)
Bylaw 12308, Unauthorized Use of Parkland Bylaw, is repealed.
(4)
Bylaw 14614, Public Places Bylaw, is repealed.
(NOTE: Consolidation made under Section 69 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000,
c.M-26 and Bylaw 16620 Section 16, and printed under the City Manager's authority)
Bylaw 20700, passed by Council February 25, 2025
Amendments:
Bylaw 21122, May 21, 2025
Bylaw 21371, February 17, 2026
Bylaw 21424, March 17, 2026
Bylaw 21244, May 19, 2026
Bylaw 20700 - Page 30
SCHEDULE A - FINES
Section
Offence
Specified Fine
Part II - General Provisions
4(2)
Contravening term or condition of permit
$250
5(2)
Failure to comply with designation
$250
8
Obstruction
$500
Part III - Animals
10(1)
Failure to control/leash dog
$250
11
Vicious dog in off-leash area
$1,000
12(1)
Animal on transit
$250
13
Dog within playground, sport field, or picnic site
$250
14
Failure to remove defecation
$250
15(1)(a)
Dog damaging property or chase
$250
15(1)(b)
Dog attack
$500
15(1)(c)
Dog attack or bite on animal causing serious injury
$2,000
15(1)(d)
Dog attack or bite on person causing serious injury or
animal causing death
$3,000
16
Feeding wildlife
$250
17(1)
Killing or injuring wildlife in park
$500
17(2)
Interfering with nest, den, or eggs in park
$250
Part IV - Closed Public Spaces
18(1)
Entering closed public space
$250
Part V - Commercial Activity
Bylaw 20700 - Page 31
Section
Offence
Specified Fine
20
Commercial activity in transit space
$250
21(1)
Commercial activity in park or highway
$250
Part VI - Consumption of Substances
23(1)
Consuming liquor in public space
$250
23(3)(a)
Serve or consume liquor in unapproved container
$250
23(3)(b)
Remove liquor from entertainment district
$250
23(3)(c)
Failure to leave entertainment district
$250
24(1)
Visible drug use in public space
$25
25(1)(a)
Smoking or vaping in building
$250
25(1)(b)
Smoking or vaping on a patio
$250
25(1)(c)
Smoking or vaping in vehicle for hire/transit vehicle
$250
25(1)(d)
Smoking or vaping on prohibited property
$250
25(1)(e)
Smoking or vaping within 10m of entrance
$250
25(1)(f)
Smoking or vaping in recreation area
$250
25(1)(g)
Smoking or vaping in attraction area
$250
25(1)(h)
Smoking or vaping in no smoking area
$250
25(3)
Owner permitting smoking or vaping where
prohibited
$500
Part VII - Fire and Fireworks
28(1)
Lighting fire in public space
$500
28(3)
Leaving fire unattended
$500
28(4)
Failure to extinguish fire
$500
29(2)
Discharging fireworks without permit
$1,000
Bylaw 20700 - Page 32
Section
Offence
Specified Fine
Part VIII - Inappropriate Actions and Behaviours
30(2)
Possessing, displaying, or discharging weapon
$500
30(3)
Removing safety features
$500
31
Dangerous actions
$500
32
Fighting in public
$500
33(2)
Harassment
$250
34
Inappropriate behaviours
$250
35
Causing damage to public space
$250
36
Interfering with other users
$250
37
Use of transit spaces for unrelated purpose
$250
38(2)
Aggressive panhandling
$250
38(3)
Panhandling in roadway
$25
39
Entering/exiting moving transit vehicle
$250
Part IX - Performances and Special Events
40(2)
Participating in special event without permit
$250
41
Performance in transit space outside of designated
area
$250
Part X - Protection of Public Spaces
42
Littering
$250
43
Urinating/defecating in public space
$500
44
Spitting
$250
45(2)
Depositing chemical or hazardous waste
$500
46(1)
Depositing remains
$500
Bylaw 20700 - Page 33
Section
Offence
Specified Fine
47(2)
Occupying temporary shelter
$25
48(1)
Placing structure
$250
49
Interfering with public space fixture
$250
50(2)
Unauthorized use of park
$500
51(2)
Damaging or removing vegetation
$250
52
Planting tree in public space
$250
53
Interfering with transit vehicle
$250
54
Impeding aisle of transit vehicle
$250
Part XI - Recreation
55(1)
Operating drone
$250
56
Operating airborne craft
$250
57
Launching rocket
$250
58
Unauthorized use of stormwater management facility
$500
59
Skating on the North Saskatchewan River
$500
60(1)
Launching boat outside of designated area
$250
60(2)
Operating boat improperly
$250
61(1)
Failure to wear lifejacket
$250
Part XII - Signs and Markings
63
Surface markings
$250
64
Sign on public space fixture
$250
65(1)(a)
Oversized sign
$250
65(1)(b)
Sign too close to intersection
$250
Bylaw 20700 - Page 34
Section
Offence
Specified Fine
65(1)(c)
Sign too close to transit station
$250
65(1)(d)
Sign too close to similar sign
$250
65(1)(e)
Sign too close to fire hydrant
$250
65(1)(f)
Sign too close to crosswalk
$250
65(1)(g)
Sign on roadway
$250
65(1)(h)
Sign on median
$250
65(1)(i)
Sign permanently affixed
$250
65(1)(j)
Overheight sign
$250
65(1)(k)
Electrified/inflatable sign
$250
65(1)(l)
Derelict sign
$250
DELETED
DELETED
DELETED
65(3)(a)
Sign resembling traffic control device
$500
65(3)(b)
Sign creating hazard
$500
65(3)(c)
Sign causing damage
$500
66
Sign in park or transit space
$250
67
Graffiti
$250
Part XIII - Transit Fares
71(1)
Failure to pay fare
$150
72
Failure to produce proof of payment
$150
73
Improper use of restricted fare
$250
74
Transfer non-transferable fare
$250
75
Possessing fraudulent fare
$250
Bylaw 20700 - Page 35
Section
Offence
Specified Fine
Part XIV - Vehicles
78(1)
Riding bicycle on sidewalk
$250
79
Riding bicycle in transit space
$250
80
Riding bicycle in indoor public space
$250
81(1)
Operating off-highway vehicle in park
$250
81(2)
Operating vehicle in park outside roadway
$250
82(a)
Failure to yield right of way
$250
82(b)
Failure to alert prior to overtaking
$250
82(c)
Unsafe overtaking
$250
82(d)
Unsafe operation
$250
82(e)
Cause damage to surface
$250
(S.10(c), Bylaw 21424, March 17, 2026)
(S.65 (2)(g), Bylaw 21244, May 19, 2026)
Bylaw 20700 - Page 36
SCHEDULE B - ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS
Bylaw 20700 - Page 37
(S.2, Bylaw 21122, May 21, 2025)
Bylaw 20700 - Page 38
(S.2, Bylaw 21371, February 17, 2026)
Bylaw 20700 - Page 39