Naturism in the big city of Montreal

"Naturism in the big city"

It's not as easy to grow up being a Naturist in the big city of Montreal; especially when you don't own a car to get around to all the good spots that are harder to get to without a car. Not to mention city officials ticketing you for being human.

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Growing up in Montreal as a Naturist has been a juggle for me. always having to find some way and somewhere just to either skinny-dip, sunbathe, read a book or simply living in your own house clothes-free. their isn't many places in the area of Montreal to secretly do these things when you are always worried someone sees you and wants to report you. I've done many things as such. I've found ways to get on to some roofs of apartment buildings and spend a few hours sunbathing and reading a book with a big jug of water and sunglasses. It was fun, just needed to make sure nobody seen me from across the way. Then I would go home have a quick shower and "Try" to relax, however forcing me to have my windows and balcony door blinds closed because i'm surrounded by kids and other textiles. Wish I didn't have to do that have have my windows uncovered and let the sun and air come in easier. so the best thing i could do it get bamboo blinds. they let the air and sun in better than the standard plastic ones. Only time I can be clothes-free on my balcony is with a balcony cover and wait till after dark or really early in the morning to have my coffee.

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The only way to get around to the nice spots such as the Nude Beach, Resorts, Campgrounds or with the FQN (Federation of Quebec Naturists) is by car/carpool. Only problem is I dont own a car; I sometimes feel im asking too much from people asking for a lift all the time — even though the FQN says its fine and don't worry about it. There are great places like Oka's Nude Beach, La Pommeraie, l'oasis, Ville de ferme, etc, but too far without a car or carpool. If I had the money i'd move to a place where its in the middle of nowhere where i can be outside doing my yard work, working on my house or bicycle, gardening, etc. Stuff that everyone does. just clothes-free. Natural. I would not have to worry about keeping my blinds down either… or worrying about them neighbors.

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Police officials here in Montreal are not too kind when it comes to nudity in public. however do make an acception for the WNBR and the GoTopless Day. other than that, they will ticket you $140 to $160… repeated offences can sometimes send you to jail. Laws are different in Canada from the USA and other places. in Canada, the following is our laws.

Section 173

(1) Everyone who willfully does an indecent act in a public place in the presence of one or more persons,or (b) in any place, with intent thereby to insult or offend any person,
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a trem of not more than two years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more then six months.
(2) Every person who, in any place, for a sexual purpose, exposes his or her genital organs to a person who is under the age of 16 years

(a) is guilty of anindictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 30 days.

"Willfully" means "deliberate" or "intentional," as opposed to "accidental" or "inadvertent"; and it is not further necessary to show that the accused knew and intended to perform the indecent act in the sight of others. (Miceli (1977), Ontario Provincial Court)
Section 174

(1) Everyone who, without lawful excuse,
(a) is nude in a public place, or
(b) is nude and exposed to public view while on private property…is guilty of an offence…
(2) For the purpose of this section, a person is nude who is so clad as to offend against public decency or order.

Notes:

This offence is not aimed at conduct such as swimming nude at an isolated beach, even where the accused misjudges the loneliness of the beach. (Benolkin et al., 1977)

(3) No proceedings shall be commenced under this section wothout the consent of the Attorney General.

Though it's not all that bad growing up as a naturist and I have never been caught.. I'm hoping one day that the laws open up to social nudism in the future. it's a big wish, "full thinking" however that's all we can do. =)

~Scott RedCloud