We understand that the City has many by-laws and that it can sometimes be difficult to find the exact information you're looking for about a particular situation or question you have. On this page, you'll find the most frequently asked about by-laws, along with a short explanation of their key points.
Alcohol in public places
It is not permitted to drink alcohol on public property without the proper permit, or being drunk and disorderly on public property.
Dogs
It is considered a nuisance under the animal welfare by-law (BEAC-099) for a dog to:
- Howl or bark in a way that disturbs the peace, or is an annoyance for one or more people
- Be in a public place without a leash
Feeding wildlife
Did you know that it is not permitted to feed wild animals on the City of Beaconsfield's territory? You may think you are helping the animal, but feeding animals only harms them.
Did you know:
Human food is not healthy for animals, even organic food. Eating too much human food can cause malnutrition, among other issues.
Feeding animals can cause a larger amount than normal of them to congregate, leading to the spread of disease.
If wild animals are fed too often by humans, they can lose their ability to find food for themselves.
Fireworks
According to By-law BEAC-033, it is prohibited to set off fireworks or fire crackers within the City without a permit from the City of Montreal Fire Department.
Fireworks can have serious consequences. They can also be a source of stress for some of our fellow citizens and for our pets.
Lawn length
It is not permitted to leave your lawn, whether grass or other vegetation, at a height of more than 15 centimeters.
Leaf blowers
An amendment to By-law BEAC-033 regarding nuisances was adopted by Council in 2018.
This amendment prohibits the use of leaf blowers from June 1 to September 30 and has been in effect as of 2019.
The pertinent documentation relating to this amendment can be consulted below:
- Rapport d'analyse d'un sondage téléphonique mené auprès des citoyens de la Ville de Beaconsfield - Léger (in French only)
- 14 environmental studies and documents
- Government of Canada - Particulate matter 2.5 and 10
- Government of Canada - Fuels and air pollution
- Government of Canada - Air pollutant emissions from transportation, off-road vehicles and mobile equipment
- World health organization - Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health
- Agglomération de Montréal - Inventaire 2010 des émissions de gaz à effet de serre corporatives(in French only)
- Directrice santé publique de Montréal - bruit environnemental (in French only)
- Directrice santé publique de Montréal - pollution atmosphérique (in French only)
- Town of Lincoln Board of Health - Leaf blowers and health (en anglais seulement)
- Jamie L. Banks, PhD, MS, Robert McConnell, Environmental Engineer - National emissions from lawn and garden equipment (en anglais seulement)
- Edmunds - emissions test : car vs. truck vs. leaf blower (en anglais seulement)
- Confédération suisse - Ce qu'il faut savoir sur les souffleurs et aspirateurs de feuilles mortes (in French only)
- Évaluation des risques de la pollution urbaine sur la santé en Ile-de-France (in French only)
- Un point sur la législation en France (in French only)
- Medieco - Souffler des feuilles n'est pas anodin pour la santé! (in French only)
Noise, power tools, and being a good neighbour
Noise pollution is the cause of many neighbourhood conflicts, whether it is caused by individuals or professional activities. Often, the people making the noise and dust do not realize its adverse effects and the discomfort they inflict on others. Maintaining a peaceful environment is about respect and is everyone’s responsibility. By-law BEAC-033 outlines the rules and regulations in place regarding noise and nuisances.
Parking
It is prohibited to park on any public street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. all year round.
A temporary permit may be granted for overnight parking on a public street under certain conditions: renovations, repaving of a driveway, visitors. To obtain such a permit, please call 514 428-4400 or, after business hours, contact Municipal Patrol at 514 428-5999.
On-street parking during a snowfall
To ensure that snow is removed quickly and efficiently, Section 5.2 of Traffic By-law 780 regarding winter parking stipulates that it is forbidden to immobilize a road vehicle on a public street or space during any snowfall of 2.5 cm or more, or within six hours after the end of such a snowfall. Vehicles interfering with snow removal operations will be towed away at the owners’ expense with a fine.
Prohibited actions in our parks
Consumption of alcohol without a permit, barbecues, glass containers, disorderly conduct that could be considered a public nuisance, posting a notice or placard, fires, smoking, among other items and acts, are not permitted in any City parks.
Swimming is prohibited at parks and waterfront green spaces.
Dogs are welcome in City parks, but are not permitted to run at large, with the exception of the dog park.
Renovation, construction and permits
If you are planning renovation or construction work on your property, you or your professional executor must ensure that the project complies with all applicable municipal by-laws and obtain the necessary permit or certificate before proceeding with the work. Beaconsfield’s Urban Planning Department is composed of a team of professionals who are dedicated to assisting you in your projects.
Smoking
It is not permitted to smoke tobacco products as well as any other products or substances, whether natural or chemical, that may be smoked by any means, including electronic cigarettes or any other device of this nature, on public property, excluding streets, alleys and sidewalks.
Snow removal
The snow from your driveway must be kept on your property and not ploughed onto the street. Dumping or throwing snow on streets, sidewalks, fire hydrants, public places or private property other than your own, is prohibited and subject to a minimum fine of $100.
Watering Restrictions
The watering of lawns and other plantings is permitted only from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. if the water is distributed by automatic sprinkler systems, and only from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. if the water is distributed by oscillating water sprinklers:
- NORTH of autoroute 20 – Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday
- SOUTH of autoroute 20 – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Manual watering of vegetation using a hose fitted with an automatic shut-off device is permitted at all times. The watering of a new lawn, newly planted trees or shrubs and new landscaping is permitted at any time of day for 15 days following the start of the work.
Concerning vehicles and driveways:
- The washing of vehicles is permitted at all times on condition that a bucket or a hose fitted with an automatic shut-off device is used.
- The washing of driveways is permitted from April 1 to May 15 only or during construction that justifies the washing of the driveway.
For more information, consult By-law BEAC-070, or our document on watering restrictions.
