Ontario Government removes restrictions
on clothesline use

Picking up on the advice to the Ontario government of the Town of Aurora, based on an excellent idea by town resident Robert Cook while a member of Aurora's Environmental Advisory Committee, the government has created a regulation under the Energy Conservation Leadership Act, 2006 (the “Act”) to encourage and permit the use of outdoor clotheslines (clotheslines).

Local property owners expressed concerns to our Town Council that legal barriers exist preventing the use of clotheslines. This is unsatisfactory to many people, because the use of clotheslines is an alternative to using electric and gas fired dryers and helps conserve energy and save money.

The ministry removed the main obstacle to using clotheslines discovered by the government, which was the insertion of restrictions on land titles in home sale agreements by builders. Municipal by-laws in Ontario have not been found to be an obstacle.

Reducing the use of clothes dryers will reduce energy consumption, reduce energy bills and lower environmental emissions.  This is good for consumers and the environment.

All Aurorans should be proud of their role in supporting this sensible initiative to help reduce carbon emissions and protect earth's atmosphere.

Phyllis Morris,
Mayor of Aurora