DISCLAIMER: The following article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not reflect the opinions or views of the Richmond Sentinel. Last edition, we explored the quirky laws and bylaws found in the Province of Ontario as part of our 13-part series. In this edition, we travel to New France, also known as Quebec to see what quirky laws and bylaws were or still are enforced. From regulations on MMA and language laws on signage, to restrictions on websites, the province originators of poutine certainly have them all. 

1. On May 1, Metro Vancouver announced seasonal watering restrictions limiting each household to watering their lawn one day per week as part of the Drinking Water Conservation Plan. The goal is to manage the significant increase in water usage during the summer months and ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water for essential services and daily needs. In Beaconsfield, Quebec, a small suburb on the island of Montreal, Quebec, a bylaw exists, restricting the watering of lawns when there is rainfall or a forecast of precipitation. 

2. We’ve all walked by trees that have hanging fruit or nuts littered all around the floor and into the neighbouring lawns. Generally, you’d think that meant they’re okay to eat, especially if they fell onto your side of the fence. Well, in Quebec that is not the case, in 1994, Quebec enacted a provincial law stating that fruits and nuts falling naturally from a tree remain the property of the tree’s owner, event if they land on neighbouring property. (Civil Code of Québec) 

3. Here in British Columbia, the camping grounds have already been opened up for reservations. In several cities in Quebec however, bylaws mandating permits for camping on private property have been enacted. By-law No.253-2019 stipulates that “individuals wishing to install motorized camping equipment (like RVs or trailers) must obtain a camping permit from the MRC and pay the associated fees.” The bylaw includes even your own private property which means if you don’t have a permit, don’t even try to open up your tent and camp outside in your backyard. This bylaw is still enforced to this day and failure to obtain a permit can result in various fines ranging from $50-$75. 

4. In 1534, Jacques Cartier made the declaration that land that Quebec occupied was named New France. As time went on, the francophone community in New France grew until France ultimately gave up the territory to Britain. In an attempt to preserve the language and culture, the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) in 1977 was passed, requiring French appear in prominent, twice-the-size text on all commercial signs. To this day, the law is still enforced with the French language required to be more prominent than the English translation. 

5. Any fan of MMA, knows the name Georges St-Pierre GSP), regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Quebec has produced a total of six mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters who have significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of the sport in Quebec and Canada as a whole. Interestingly enough, in Quebec the MMA, which has now become “mixed boxing” features rules that are surprising to MMA fans. From foot stomps, knee and elbow strikes, and even dimensions of the octagon, the province essentially created a copy-cat version of the sport. 

6. With the housing crisis across Canada, some people are making the tough decision to leave the province or even the country to find more affordable options. Well according to Article 919 of the Civil Code of Quebec, “Any island formed in a river or stream which belongs to an owner is his property.”, this law is very similar to the fruits falling from the owners tree one and is quite shocking. I guess if a piece of land were to form in a river or stream owned by you, you should thank nature. (Civil Code of Quebec)

7. Calling the government is arguably one of the most tedious things that everyone has done at least once, whether it be for themselves or on behalf of their parents. The reason it’s so tedious is usually because it’s almost guaranteed that you will end up being put on hold or transferred to another department. Generally the hold leads to spending countless amounts of time listening to elevator music or whatever is playing on the top charts at the time. Well the Quebec government said enough was enough, in 2021, a policy presented by Nathalie Roy, Quebec’s Culture Minister, mandated that only music by Quebecois artists be played in provincial buildings and phone lines. (mtlblog.com) 

8. Preserving the culture and French language is quite important to the Province of Quebec, so important that even video games are affected. As part of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101), “any video game sold in Quebec must include French-langugage packaging, instructions, and in-game content if a French version exists. This applies to both physical and digital formats”. I guess it would be quite interesting to witness a game like ratatouille in French. (Charter of the French Language) 

If you think we missed any quirky laws in the province, feel free to email us at newsroom@richmondsentinel.ca or comment under the post on one of our social media accounts. In the next edition, we travel to the next province known for its whale-watching, to see what quirky laws and bylaws were or still are enforced.