Approaches in other Canadian cities

As Ottawa considers regulations to protect safe access to vulnerable social infrastructure, we are researching and monitoring developments in other Canadian cities. Recent examples of how other municipalities have addressed this issue include:

  • Brampton: The Protecting Places of Worship from Nuisance Demonstrations By-law prohibits nuisance demonstrations within 100 meters of a place of worship. A nuisance demonstration is distinguished from a peaceful protest in that it causes a reasonable person to feel intimidated or unsafe or otherwise prevents them from safely accessing the place of worship.

  • Calgary: The Safe and Inclusive Access By-law prohibits protests “objecting to an idea or action related to human rights” within 100 meters of every community center and library, from one hour before they open until one hour after they close, and further prohibits blocking access to these facilities.

  • Oakville: The Safe Access to Places of Worship By-law (English only) restricts certain forms of protest activities within 50 metres of places of worship as well as areas used on a temporary basis to host religious ceremonies or services, during for the period of one hour before a ceremony or service until one hour after it concludes.

  • Toronto: The Access to Social Infrastructure By-law establishes access zones of 50 metres around specific houses of worship, childcare centres, or community centres. Access Zones are established by application from the site operator and prohibit obstruction of access to the site, including expressions of disapproval or discouragement directed at persons accessing the facility.

  • Vaughan: The Protecting Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law prohibits organizing or participating in a nuisance demonstration within 100 metres of the property line of any vulnerable social infrastructure (such as a place of worship, school, childcare centre, hospital or congregate care facility). A nuisance demonstration is distinguished from a peaceful protest in that it causes a reasonable person to feel intimidated or unsafe or otherwise prevents them from safely accessing the facility.

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Correction: An earlier version of this article indicated that Oakville prohibited specified protests within 20 meters of every school, daycare, hospital and library, including actions to dissuade or obstruct access to the facility, and prohibiting the display of graphic images within 150 meters of the facility. This was based on the draft Safe Access to Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law, which was not adopted.

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