Province increasing administrative penalties up to $25,000

As part of its plan to protect Ontario consumers and families, the government intends to implement new financial enforcement measures against businesses and individuals who violate the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, by reselling event tickets above their original total purchase price. The new measures, which come into force June 10, 2026, will increase the maximum amount of financial administrative penalties to up to $25,000 for repeat offenders from the current limit of $10,000 and allow the designated director under the Act to publicly identify ticketing businesses against whom the ministry has initiated enforcement action. Together these new and enhanced enforcement tools will protect families and consumers from exploitative resellers who artificially drive up ticket prices and help ensure more Ontarians have the opportunity to attend premier live events across the province.

“We’re delivering on our promise to bring in bold enforcement measures that crack down on resellers who exploit fans and drive up costs for families,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “By increasing penalties and holding offenders publicly accountable, we’re helping ensure Ontarians can attend the events they love without needing to worry about being ripped-off by exploitative resellers.”

Following up on action taken in 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, to ban the resale of tickets above their original purchase price, the government is strengthening enforcement by increasing administrative penalties to a maximum of $25,000 for businesses that fail to comply with the law. Effective June 10, 2026, new and higher administrative penalties will be implemented under the modernized Ticket Sales Act, 2017, which will provide the designated director under the Act with another enforcement tool to use against those contravening the Act.

In addition to new and increased administrative penalties, non-compliant businesses can already face compliance orders and/or laying of charges that could, if found guilty, result in significant court-ordered fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations.

“Live sporting events create unforgettable experiences for fans, families and communities. These measures will help ensure tickets are available to the people who want to be in the stands cheering on their favourite teams and athletes, rather than being snapped up by unfair pricing gouging.” – Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport

Together with the ticket resale price cap, these measures will help address long-standing concerns about inflated resale ticket prices and other practices in the ticket resale market that negatively impact Ontario fans and consumers.

Also effective June 10, 2026, information about compliance and enforcement actions taken against individuals and ticket businesses will be published on the Consumer Beware List.

Quick Facts

• An administrative penalty — designed to promote compliance — is a financial penalty that may be imposed or issued by a government agency or regulator to a ticket business for breaking prescribed provisions under an Act. This civil sanction — which is subject to an appeal — differs from a court-ordered fine that is imposed by a judge or court after a conviction is rendered following a prosecution.
• The resale ticket price cap makes it illegal to either make available for sale or facilitate the resale of tickets for more than the total all-in cost of the original ticket, including all the fees, service charges and taxes paid on that original ticket, plus fees, service charges and taxes on the resale. The price cap applies to anyone who resells a ticket and to any platform that facilitates a resale to an event in Ontario.
• Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement officials recently inspected 27 major secondary ticketing platforms for compliance with requirements under the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, and are pursuing enforcement actions where appropriate, including issuing some compliance orders to date.

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Organizers and officials of the 2025 Run With Responders 5K presented three local charities with cheques for $3,500 each today.

The $10,500 total was raised during the 3rd Annual Run with Responders 5K, which raised funds and awareness in support of first responders and their local charities of choice. Nearly 400 individual runners and walkers of all ages took part in this unique first responder–themed charity run celebrating all frontline service providers.

“For 2025, our charities are Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund and Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Ontario, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit these three important charitable organizations,” co-organizer Dave Orshinsky

Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Chief James Waffle, and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Deputy Chief Ziad Fatallah were joined by event organizers at Windsor Fire & Rescue Services headquarters on Goyeau Street to present donation cheques to their respective charities.

Funds raised support ongoing mental health education, training, and awareness as part of the Sole Focus Project of the CMHA-WECB. Many sessions are geared toward helping community stakeholders, from first responders and medical professionals to youth and caregivers.

“Mental health is key to our well-being, and we can’t be truly healthy without it,” said CMHA-WECB Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion Kim Willis. “When individuals are mentally healthy, they are able to realize their own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make positive contributions to their community.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics engages law enforcement officers worldwide, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities.

The presenting partners of the Run with Responders 5K, 1K and Kids Dash were the Windsor Port Authority and the Windsor Police Association.

“Windsor Port Authority is proud to be one of the presenting sponsors for the 2025 Run with Responders 5K in support of CMHA-WECB, Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund and LETR for Special Olympics,” said Windsor Port Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Salmons. “We are committed to supporting organizations and individuals who contribute to the well-being of our community, and we are thankful for the dedication, sacrifices, and achievements of all professional and volunteer first responders in Windsor-Essex who work tirelessly to make the region a great place to live, work and play.”

“Run With Responders gives first responders and community participants the opportunity to support three great initiatives that champion mental health support, acceptance and inclusion,” said Windsor Police Association President Kent Rice.

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Organizers and officials of the 2024 Roseland Responder Golf Classic presented three local charities with cheques for $7,500 each.

The $22,500 total was raised during the second installment of a four-year golf series in support of first responders and their charities of choice in our community.

Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Chief Stephen Laforet and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Deputy Chief Ryan Lemay were joined by tournament organizers at Rose City Ford Dealership to present cheques to their respective charities, the Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County (CMHA-WECB), Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Funds raised for CMHA-WECB support ongoing mental health education, training and awareness as part of the Sole Focus Project of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Many sessions are geared toward helping stakeholders like first responders, medical professionals, youth and caregivers.

“Mental health is key to our well-being, and we can’t be truly healthy without it,” said CMHA-WECB’s Chief Executive Officer Nicole Sbrocca. “It involves how we feel, think, act, and interact with the world around us. Mental health is about realizing our potential, coping with the normal stresses of life, and making a contribution to our community.”

The Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund supports their members, individuals and families in need during challenging times, in addition to supporting youth organizations, women’s groups, school programs, various athletic teams, registered charities, and memorials.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR) engages law enforcement officers worldwide, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities.

The presenting partner of the Roseland Responder Golf Classic series is Rose City Ford. The four-year series (2023 to 2026) is called the “Road to 100,” as Roseland Golf will celebrate 100 years in the community in 2026.

“Rose City Ford is proud to sponsor the four-year golf series. We are committed to supporting organizations and individuals who contribute to the well-being of our community, and we would like to thank all of the dedicated emergency responders who work tirelessly to make Windsor-Essex a better place to live and work.” – Rose City Ford General Manager Scott Ohler

“Congratulations to the three community charitable organizations receiving funding support through the “Road to 100” Roseland Responder Golf Classic,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “The Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor, Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics work year-round to support and promote healthy living, wellness, and inclusivity in our community. These funds will be put to good use right here in Windsor-Essex. Thanks, once again, to Rose City Ford for their sponsorship of this series, and to Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Chief Stephen Laforet, and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services Deputy Chief Ryan Lemay for their collaboration on this impactful initiative, and to collectively demonstrating the spirit of giving for which our community is known. You are making a difference for many individuals and families, and you have our gratitude.”

Friday, June 13, 2025, is the date of the next round of golf in the series in support of local first responders. Sponsorship opportunities and donations for giveaway items are available. For more information or to receive a sponsorship package, visit Roseland Responder Golf Classic online.

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The best in basketball across Windsor-Essex are invited to take part in Windsor’s inaugural “Battle 519,” a three-day basketball festival in downtown Windsor from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2024.

The event is being hosted at Festival Plaza, with multiple courts set up to host 3-on-3 games. Teams in seven different divisions will compete over the three-day tournament with the hope of being crowned the inaugural Battle 519 champion in their division. Organizers are calling on anyone who is interested in playing in Windsor’s ‘Battle at the Plaza’ to register now, before the weekend deadline.

As an added incentive, organizers announced Thursday during a media conference at St. Clair College’s SportsPlex they have decided to lower team costs to make Battle 519 more affordable. The price for youth divisions is now lowered to $250 per team, adult men’s and women’s teams will now be $350 per team, while corporate teams will remain at $400.

“We are working together to elevate the game of basketball in Windsor. I’m hoping this is the start of something bigger than our individual existence,” said Manny Pangilinan, one of the event organizers with Battle 519.

The ‘519’ event is the latest in a series of events successfully hosted in other parts of Ontario, including Brampton, Montreal, and Toronto. The ‘Battle 416’ tournament, dubbed the ‘Battle at the Square’ was such a success, plans were made to spread the organized outdoor games to other cities, including Windsor.

The family-friendly event for people of all ages is expected to draw hundreds of players and fans to the downtown courts during the Labour Day long weekend. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in local food truck delectables and explore unique offerings, from pop-up restaurants and retail vendors to live music and entertainment.

“We hope to bring to Windsor something the city has never seen before, a community event like no other,” Pangilinan said. “We hope this sparks an annual gathering that the community can rally behind in support of the broader community.”

St. Clair College and the St. Clair College Alumni Association are one of the event sponsors for Battle 519.

The money raised from this event will be donated to two well-deserving charities in Windsor, Hospice of Windsor and Essex County and W.E. Care for Kids.

“We may be competitors on the court, but when it comes to community and support of local charities, we are one team,” said Pangilinan.

For more information, or to sign a team up for the event, click here.

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The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) has announced the second thrilling Cup Viewing Block Party for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Friday night, June 21st. The event will run from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on University Avenue West, between Pelissier and Ouellette, and will offer an unforgettable evening of hockey, food, and entertainment.

Following the enthusiastic response to the Game 3 viewing party, this event promises to be even more exciting. Large screens will be set up to broadcast Game 6 live, ensuring fans catch all of the action. Local businesses will offer special promotions, and extended patios at Turbo and Craft Heads Brewing Co will provide the perfect spots to enjoy the game. Turbo’s lively atmosphere, coupled with its great drinks, and Craft Heads’ wide selection of craft beers, will enhance the game night experience.

“The community’s response to our previous event was fantastic. We are thrilled to host another block party for Game 6, bringing people together to cheer on the Oilers, support our local businesses and celebrate our shared love for hockey.”

Chris MacLeod, Chair of the DWBIA

This free event is open to the public, providing a perfect opportunity to spend Friday night in the heart of downtown Windsor. To register for the free Cup Block Viewing Party, please visit the Eventbrite page.

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