Airdrie has banned jumping into water from bridges and other street structures under a new section of its Streets Bylaw.
The updated clause was added to the Streets Bylaw, B-09/2025 and was passed by council on June 17.
“A person must not jump, dive, or otherwise propel themselves, or permit a minor under their supervision to jump, dive, or otherwise propel themselves, from any street, or street-related infrastructure, including pedestrian bridges, that is located above or directly beside a body of water, into the body of water,” the bylaw states.
The fine for violating the bylaw is $500. A $250 voluntary payment option is available to avoid prosecution.
“This amendment gives Municipal Enforcement the authority to act when individuals are found engaging in this risky behaviour,” wrote Brad Tomlinson, team leader for Municipal Enforcement, in an email.
Council added the new provision to address a gap in city bylaws related to the improper use of infrastructure, including jumping from bridges into bodies of water. According to a council report, the amendment follows resident complaints in Bayside, Bayview, Canals, and Midtown.
In 2024, Municipal Enforcement received 45 calls related to youth gathering and jumping near canal bridges, Tomlinson said. “Officers engaged with individuals at these locations to educate them about the serious risks involved,” he wrote.
Tomlinson confirmed that the warning signs in place at the time were not enforceable under any bylaw.
He said new signage will be posted shortly under the amended bylaw and will include the Municipal Enforcement dispatch number.
The City did not respond to whether new signage will include penalty amounts.
While the bylaw applies broadly to any bridge or street-related structure located above a body of water, the City’s response addressed canal-related concerns raised in media questions.
“The canals, though visually appealing, are stormwater management facilities and not designed for recreational use,” Tomlinson said. “Hazards such as unpredictable water depths, debris and strong currents make them unsafe for swimming or jumping.”
Residents are encouraged to report unsafe activity near any bridge or canal by contacting Municipal Enforcement.
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