Ontario Ramping Up Financial Penalties to Crack Down on Illegal Ticket Resellers

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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LaSalle VIPERS Presents HOCKEY HALL OF FAME Exhibit

LASALLE VIPERS to Host a Special Fundraising Event to Support Local Family, Featuring HOCKEY HALL of FAME Trophy Exhibit & Vipers Game on Sunday, March 1st at Vollmer Complex LaSalle, ON, Sunday, March 1st– The LaSalle Vipers are proud to present a Hockey Hall of Fame Trophy Exhibit on Sunday, March 1st at the Vollmer Complex, offering fans a rare opportunity to see some of hockey’s most prestigious trophies up close — all in support of a meaningful local cause.

All net proceeds for this special event will go towards supporting the Flood Family of LaSalle, who’s 8-year-old son, Cullen, is bravely battling leukemia. The exhibit will feature iconic International & NHL Awards including the Conn Smythe Trophy, Clarence Campbell Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Norris Trophy, Presidents’ Trophy, the Four Nations Cup, 2004 World Cup, Canada Cup, and more.

Doors to the Trophy Exhibit open at 1:00 PM and will run until 7pm, with the LaSalle Vipers game set for a 2:30 PM puck drop. The Vipers take on the Strathroy Rockets to battle for one of the final playoff spots.

As an added bonus, following the game the fans will have the exciting opportunity to “Skate with the Vipers.”

“This is a unique opportunity for hockey fans of all ages to experience the history of the game while coming together to support a local family in need. We’re proud to host an event that combines community spirit, hockey tradition, and meaningful impact.” – John Nelson, General Manager of the LaSalle Vipers

Ticket Information: All Tickets can be purchased at the Vollmer Complex on the day of the event.

• $5 per person – Trophy Exhibit Only
• $15 per person – Trophy Exhibit & Vipers Game
• $50 per family (4 or more) – Trophy Exhibit & Vipers Game

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to take full advantage of the exhibit before cheering on the Vipers and participating in the post-game skate.

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Family Day in the Downtown Windsor! Splash. Skate. Celebrate.

Make the most of Family Day on Monday, February 16, 2026, with a full day of fun in the heart of downtown Windsor. Family Day in the Core brings together two great destinations, our new City Hall Square ice rink and Adventure Bay Family Water Park Presented by WFCU Credit Union, for an active and action-packed day!

Start the Day at The Square
City Hall Square Ice Rink
350 City Hall Square West
Free Public Skating & Family Activities
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kick off Family Day on the ice with free public skating and outdoor activities!

Highlights include:

Giveaways and prizes, including Adventure Bay Family 4-Packs
Free skate lending courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island provided by All Saints’ Anglican Church
Cottam Candy serving food and beverages to keep everyone cozy!
Make a Splash at Adventure Bay
Adventure Bay Family Water Park Presented by WFCU Credit Union
401 Pitt Street West
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Starlight Admission Pricing: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

After a morning on the ice, warm up just steps away at Adventure Bay for an afternoon of indoor, tropical fun:

Starlight admission pricing available from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A special visit from Youcan the Toucan (appearance time to be announced).

From skating to splashing, Family Day in the Core offers something for everyone!

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5th Annual Express to the Trades Skilled Trades Career Expo

The Windsor Express has announced the return of its 5th Annual Express to the Trades Skilled Trades Career Expo, taking place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the WFCU Centre.

In partnership with labour leaders, school boards, local trade businesses, and community organizations, the Windsor Express is proud to bring this free educational event to  grades 7-12 students across Windsor-Essex, providing a hands-on introduction to rewarding career opportunities in the skilled trades.

The Skilled Trades Career Expo will feature interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and informative displays designed to help students explore real-world career pathways.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals and leaders who can speak to the benefits, stability, and long-term potential of careers in the skilled trades. Students in Grades 7-12, along with up to two parents, guardians, or family members, will receive free admission to both the Expo and the Windsor Express basketball game that evening.

The Expo will run from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in the Banquet Hall and Concourse area of the WFCU Centre, followed by the Windsor Express tipping off at 7:00pm against the Lake Erie Jackals.

Registration is required for the Express to the Trades Skilled Trades Career Expo. Students can register online at windsorexpress.ca. The registration deadline is Sunday, February 8, 2026, at noon.

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The Push-Up Challenge

Join the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) as we push for better mental health this February! Canadians from coast to coast to coast with embark on a 2,000 push-up journey from February 5-27, with daily push-up targets sent to you via The Push-Up Challenge app, and corresponding to an important mental health statistic.

Why 2,000 push-ups? To represent the 2,000 lives lost every day around the world to suicide.

The Challenge is free to join. Can’t do push-ups, alternate exercises like squats, sit-ups and lunges are allowed. Join as an individual or get your friends, family or co-workers involved and start a team!

Sign up today!

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch(CMHA-WECB) is ecstatic that you are joining us in the push for better! This fun, do from anywhere challenge is a great way to set physical goals for yourself, start meaningful conversations about mental health, and help to raise funds for incredible programs serving individuals in Windsor-Essex – people like you, a colleague, a friend, or a loved one.

CMHA-WECB has been providing free community mental health services since 1971. Serving primarily adults with moderate to severe mental illness, CMHA-WECB offers over 20 programs and services. Visit our website to see how we can help you or someone you know. We also have a Health Centre onsite to meet your physical health needs and are currently accepting new patients!

Share your story, your inspiration, or how you’re participating with us on socials – @CMHAWECB.

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