I spoke to the Ontario Legislation Office and legal branch in September 2008. According to their records, there is no such legislation proposed, passed, or otherwise listed at this point. Whether or not this is actually on someone’s to do list remains to be seen.

According to my research, I am finding that fewer municipalities have, or ever had, bi-laws prohibiting or restricting clotheslines. Two of the top residential developers in Ontario said that there are no such restrictions in their sales agreements and commented that it would be senseless or illegal for them to do so. It is more likely that private entities such as Home Owners Associations (HOA’s) and Condo Boards have these restrictions. Those home owners not only have a vote, but are within their right to decide on what is appropriate and manageable for their community. Perhaps HOA’s should not be able to ban the use of clotheslines but would be well within their right to dictate the materials used and installation method; especially if they are paying for the maintenance of those homes and properties.

It is becoming apparent to me that laws against clotheslines are more a perception that has evolved into an urban myth. I encourage people to call their municipal by-law office to get the correct status and convey that response to local media. This will help to dispel the myth and motivate those few municipalities to remove any such bi-laws. Bravo for the Ontario Government if they actually bring this legislation to life. However, I think it will only be truly effective and worth our tax dollars if it includes private enterprise regulations such as HOA’s.