Ontario’s Clothesline Controversy: The Politics, Power, and Practicality Behind the Right to Dry
How provincial politics, community aesthetics, and environmental impacts collided over the simple act of air-drying laundry in Ontario.
Ontario’s Clothesline Controversy: More Than Just Laundry
In most households, the humble clothesline is little more than a practical tool—an eco-friendly, cost-saving alternative to the electric dryer. But in Ontario, the right to hang laundry outdoors sparked decade-long debates involving environmental policies, neighborhood aesthetics, and government interventions. At the center of this narrative is Premier Doug Ford, whose moves to repeal and reshape legacy environmental laws left residents with lingering uncertainty over the future of the clothesline—and their right to dry.
History of Clothesline Bans in Ontario
Before 2008, clothesline bans were common across Ontario, especially in condominiums and newer suburban developments. These restrictions, often implemented by condo boards and neighborhood associations, reflected concerns about property values and aesthetics, with outdoor laundry sometimes considered unsightly or uncivilized.
- Clotheslines were seen as “unpleasing to the eye” and banned by various community groups and property managers.
- Residents wishing to air-dry their clothes often faced fines or official warnings.
- This was part of a broader trend in North America, where suburban living and tightly regulated communities prioritized uniform appearance over eco-friendliness.
These bans meant that people in condos or communities with restrictive covenants had little choice but to rely on energy-intensive dryers, regardless of their desire to save money or reduce emissions.
The Green Energy Act and Ontario’s “Right to Dry”
The first major change came in 2008 with the introduction of Ontario’s Green Energy Act under Premier Dalton McGuinty. Recognizing the absurdity of the situation—and its impact on energy consumption and social behavior—McGuinty’s government outlawed bans on clotheslines in residential areas.
“There’s a whole generation of kids growing up today who think a clothesline is a wrestling move,” McGuinty quipped, highlighting how disconnected some residents had become from common-sense sustainability.
The Green Energy Act explicitly stated:
- Outdoor clotheslines and clothes trees could be used in residential contexts, even if condo rules or HOA guidelines said otherwise.
- The move was championed as both an energy conservation measure and a way to cut household utility costs.
- It was also intended to help Ontario power infrastructure by reducing peak electricity demand during laundry-heavy weekends.
For many, the “right to dry” became a symbol of ordinary environmentalism—a simple choice that had immediate impacts on household costs and broader carbon emissions.
Why Clotheslines Matter: Environmental and Economic Benefits
Beneath the surface of provincial legislation and local by-laws are very real implications for energy conservation and household budgets:
- Electric dryers are among the most energy-hungry home appliances, second only to refrigerators.
- Air drying requires zero grid energy and results in tangible savings for families.
- National surveys showed 60% of Ontario households used a clothesline or rack—significantly higher than in other Canadian provinces.
- Laundry dried outdoors generally lasts longer, as tumble dryers are harsher on fabrics and create more wear and tear.
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Allowing clotheslines also makes it possible for those without access to a dryer or who struggle financially to dry their clothes without fear of reprisal from property managers.
Air-Drying Across Canada: Quick Stats
| Province | % Households Air-Drying (2007) | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Canada | 72% | Permitted |
| Ontario | 60% | Permitted (Green Energy Act) |
| British Columbia | Just over 50% | Building/strata bans allowed |
The Political Backlash: Doug Ford and the Repeal of the Green Energy Act
In 2018, Doug Ford led an aggressive repeal of the Green Energy Act, citing issues with transparency, rising energy costs, and opposition to certain renewable energy projects. Environmentalists worried this would mean a rollback of conservation measures—including the clothesline protection provision.
However, the story is nuanced:
- Ford’s government *did* repeal the Green Energy Act but kept the pro-clothesline clause, transferring it to the Electricity Act.
- This meant the “right to dry” was preserved, at least in principle, for homeowners.
- Yet, Ford’s broader approach signaled a policy shift toward relaxing sustainability mandates and increasing local control.
While Ontario technically maintains protections for air drying, the move raised concerns about the future of small-scale sustainability policies and the influence of neighborhood associations.
Neighborhood Associations: Community Rules vs. Individual Rights
Even with provincial support for clotheslines, practical enforcement is uneven:
- Many condo boards and HOAs still maintain their own rules restricting outdoor drying, citing aesthetics, property values, and resident complaints.
- Legal protections mostly apply to detached homes, with multi-unit buildings and communities able to enforce their own covenants.
- Enforcement is often complaint-driven, leading to confusion over what is allowed and who can challenge a ban.
Advocates argue that perception—what is “unsightly” or “uncivilized”—shouldn’t outweigh energy conservation or citizens’ practical needs, yet the debate persists.
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Clotheslines
Clotheslines as Symbol: From Shame to Sustainability
Over decades, the clothesline went from being a symbol of lack (for those who couldn’t afford modern appliances) to a badge of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
- Eco-activists champion air drying as a visible stand against unnecessary energy consumption.
- Younger generations rediscovered clotheslines, partly out of environmental concern, but also as simple pleasure in reconnecting with nature.
- The backlash against bans sparked grassroots “right to dry” campaigns across Canada and the U.S.
Aesthetic Concerns: Community Harmony or Outdated Elitism?
- Opposition to clotheslines usually cites concerns over “neighborhood image” and “visual clutter.”
- Proponents point out the hypocrisy: admiring magazine ads of models in underwear but objecting to actual laundry in the sun.
- Some property managers fear that air-drying signals poverty or neglect, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Ultimately, the aesthetic debate is about more than laundry—it’s about community identity, social values, and who gets to define acceptable behavior.
Environmental Impact: Why the Right to Dry Matters
The pushback against clothesline bans isn’t just about tradition or saving a few dollars. Energy reduction initiatives are essential to Ontario’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce strain on the power grid, and promote sustainable development.
- Electric dryers account for a significant share of home energy use—and their energy source often includes fossil fuels.
- Reducing dryer use translates to reduced carbon emissions and household energy bills alike.
- Widespread air drying reduces solid waste, since dryers typically last less than a decade before ending up in landfills.
- Encouraging the right to dry is critical in promoting everyday sustainability, making it possible for people to contribute in small but meaningful ways.
Policy Lessons: What Ontario’s Clothesline Debate Reveals
Ontario’s experience with clothesline bans illustrates key lessons for environmental policy:
- Local rules can undermine provincial or national sustainability goals.
- Effective policy requires balancing individual rights with community standards, while prioritizing environmental consequence.
- Political leadership plays an outsized role in shaping public attitudes and regulatory outcomes.
- Grassroots activism matters—for defending rights, educating communities, and pushing back against outdated restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it legal to use a clothesline anywhere in Ontario?
A: Yes, most single-family homes are protected by law to use outdoor clotheslines, but some condominiums and HOAs can still enforce their own restrictions on shared properties.
Q: Does using a clothesline save energy?
A: Absolutely. Air drying requires no electricity, and can meaningfully lower your household energy bills, while reducing carbon emissions.
Q: Why would anyone oppose the use of clotheslines?
A: The primary opposition is based on aesthetics—some believe clotheslines are unsightly or lower property values. Others cite community standards or concerns over neighborhood image.
Q: Did Doug Ford ban the use of clotheslines?
A: No, although his government repealed the Green Energy Act, the right to dry was preserved in the Electricity Act, allowing continued use of clotheslines by Ontario residents.
Q: Will other provinces follow Ontario’s lead?
A: Right to dry campaigns continue in regions like British Columbia, but local building rules still allow bans. Ontario’s experience is seen as a positive precedent for those advocating for change elsewhere.
Conclusion: The Right to Dry—A Small Win for Everyday Sustainability
Ontario’s clothesline controversy blends politics, environmentalism, and social debate into one simple question: Should people be allowed to hang laundry whenever they like? The answer, in policy and practical terms, is largely yes—but the journey reveals how small choices can become flashpoints for much larger conversations about energy use, personal freedom, and community priorities. As the struggle over the right to dry shows, even the most mundane household chore can have surprisingly deep social, cultural, and ecological significance.
References
- https://pamelacross.ca/looking-for-hope-part-eight/
- https://capitalcurrent.ca/opinion-enough-already-british-columbia-its-time-to-ban-clothesline-bans/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0lZYF-6PSQ
- https://ontariopc.ca/2025/02/24/doug-ford-has-a-plan-to-protect-ontario/
- https://www.oronoweeklytimes.com/clothesline-gate/
- https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/house-documents/parliament-44/session-1/2025-04-30/hansard
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