Quirky laws and odd rules you didn’t know existed in Alberta | Daily Hive

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From unusual safety rules to quirky election procedures, Alberta is home to some strange laws, past and present, that can surprise even longtime residents.

Here are some wacky rules from around the province:

In Alberta, it is illegal to paint a wooden ladder according to Occupational Health and Safety rules. However, applying a clear protective coating to preserve the wood is totally okay.

Decorative contact lenses, also known as cosmetic or coloured lenses, cannot be sold or bought without a prescription at costume shops. These lenses are regulated as Class II medical devices, and Canadian manufacturers must have a licence to sell them legally.

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In municipal elections, if there is a tie between candidates, the winner is decided by drawing a name from a hat, or “receptacle” as the legalese in the Local Authorities Election Act states. The names of the tied candidates are written on identical pieces of paper, folded, and one is drawn at random. The candidate whose name is picked wins by one vote.

Some towns, including Red Deer, Bruderheim, and Drayton Valley, have curfews for youth. These curfews restrict the hours during which young people are allowed to be out in public. If caught, for example, in Bruderheim, parents or guardians of youth breaking the curfew could face a $100 fine.

Some odd but antiquated laws are no longer in effect.

In 1914, you would have had to kiss goodbye your dream of living in a thatched-roof cottage, because municipal leaders in Ponoka specifically banned the building of mud huts with straw roofs because they were seen as a fire hazard.

In 1938, any cat in Fort Saskatchewan caught without a bell was considered “an enemy to the Song Birds,” and its owner could be fined $10 or face a week in jail.

As recently as 1968, residents of Falher were prohibited from attending horse races, dog races, boxing contests, or wrestling matches on Sundays.

Do you know of any other strange rules in Alberta? Let us know in the comments.