On May 28, 2025, City Council directed staff to undertake the development of a Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law. (Go to Council Meeting – External link).
These are often called “bubble zone” by-laws because they establish a protective zone and/or other protective measures around specific sites, such as places of worship, daycares and schools, care homes, healthcare and other types of facilities.
These by-laws regulate protests and demonstrations to ensure residents can safely access and receive services at these sites. Similar by-laws are already in place in other Canadian cities, including Brampton, Calgary, Oakville, Toronto and Vaughan. For a description of these by-laws, please see Approaches in other jurisdictions.
Please note that for the purposes of this questionnaire, we are using the term “demonstrations” – but we understand that this may also include protests, marches, and other expressive activities.
As City staff consider options for a by-law that meets the needs of Ottawa’s residents, we have some questions for you. Please take 5 to 8 minutes to complete this short questionnaire.
Your answers will help:
- Determine what “safe access” means
- Identify facilities that should be protected
- Appropriately balance competing rights and interests
This questionnaire will remain open to the public until 9 am on 30 September 2025.
Please share with friends, family and neighbours that may have an interest in this issue.
Collection of Information
Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly. If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact BylawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.
Accessibility
If you need assistance to complete this survey, require an alternative format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.
