Markham Conversion Therapy Policy & Bylaw Guide

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Markham, Ontario residents seeking clarity on municipal rules about conversion therapy should understand how federal law, municipal policy and local enforcement interact. This guide explains where conversion therapy is regulated, how the City of Markham handles related complaints, and the practical steps individuals, service providers and facility operators can take to report, prevent or respond to such practices. It summarizes enforcement routes, typical sanctions, application and complaint pathways, and where to find official forms and contacts for By-law Enforcement and related departments.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary statutory prohibition on harmful conversion therapy practices in Canada is created by federal amendments to the Criminal Code (Bill C-4), which criminalize certain coercive and commercial conversion therapy activities; municipal authorities generally enforce complementary administrative rules and facility-use policies rather than criminal penalties. Parliament of Canada, Bill C-4[1]

  • Monetary fines: specific municipal fine amounts for conversion-therapy-related violations are not specified on the City of Markham bylaws index page; criminal penalties under federal law are set in the Criminal Code and cited on the federal bill page. City of Markham bylaws index[2]
  • Escalation: whether a matter is handled administratively (e.g., facility suspension, ban from municipal spaces) or referred to police/prosecutors depends on facts and whether criminal elements are present; specific municipal escalation thresholds are not specified on the cited Markham page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: possible measures include orders to stop use of municipal spaces, suspension of facility bookings, revocation of municipal permits or licences where the municipality has authority; exact orders available to Markham are not enumerated on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: municipal complaints about activities on City property or by City-contracted providers are handled by By-law Enforcement or the relevant licensing office; criminal matters are investigated by police and prosecuted by federal/provincial authorities. See Help and Support / Resources for official contacts.
  • Appeal and review: appeal routes depend on the type of municipal order or administrative decision; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited Markham bylaws page and will appear on the order or decision letter issued by the City or in the governing bylaw text.
If you believe a crime has occurred, contact police immediately.

Applications & Forms

No dedicated municipal permit or form titled for "conversion therapy" is published on the City of Markham bylaws index; complaints about activities on City property are submitted through By-law Enforcement complaint channels or via the City’s licensing/booking teams where a permit or booking exists. For criminal complaints, contact police. "Not specified on the cited page."

Reporting, Investigation and Practical Steps

Practical actions for residents, clients and employees concerned about conversion therapy:

  • Report suspected criminal conduct to police and provide copies of communications and advertising materials.
  • Report use of municipal facilities or City-contracted services for conversion-therapy activities to Markham By-law Enforcement or the booking/licensing office with dates, contacts and evidence.
  • Preserve records: keep emails, receipts, advertisements and witness statements to support administrative or criminal investigations.
  • If a municipal order is issued, follow the appeal instructions on the notice; if none are provided, request written reasons and timelines from the issuing office.
Collect and preserve evidence promptly to support any administrative or criminal review.

FAQ

Does Markham have a specific bylaw that bans conversion therapy?
As of the cited municipal bylaw index page, Markham does not publish a standalone "conversion therapy bylaw"; federal criminal law and municipal facility and licensing policies are the primary sources for action. (see City of Markham bylaws index)[2]
Who enforces rules or complaints in Markham?
For activities on City property or by City-contracted providers, contact By-law Enforcement or the relevant licensing office; for criminal conduct, contact police. See Help and Support / Resources for contacts.
What penalties apply?
Criminal penalties for prohibited conversion-therapy activities are described in federal legislation; specific municipal fines or administrative penalties related to facility use or licences are not specified on the cited Markham bylaws page.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: note dates, participants, locations and save communications or advertisements.
  2. Report to the City: submit a By-law Enforcement complaint with details and attachments.
  3. Report to police if you believe a criminal offence has occurred.
  4. Follow up with the City licensing or booking office if the event used municipal facilities or involved a licensed provider.
If the matter involves a child or immediate harm, call emergency services before filing administrative complaints.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal criminal law prohibits many forms of conversion therapy; municipalities regulate facility use and licensing.
  • Report concerns to police for criminal matters and to Markham By-law Enforcement for municipal issues.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Parliament of Canada, Bill C-4
  2. [2] City of Markham bylaws index

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