City of Ottawa committee votes to draft ‘bubble zone' bylaw for protests and demonstrations
A City of Ottawa committee is directing staff to proceed with drafting a 'bubble bylaw' that would prohibit 'nuisance' protests and demonstrations near certain community spaces, including schools, hospitals and places of worship.
After hearing from more than 40 public delegations in support and opposed to a proposed bylaw, councillors on the emergency preparedness and protective services committee and public works and infrastructure committee voted 14-2 in favour of proceeding with the development of a 'Vulnerable Infrastructure Bylaw.'
The motion, introduced by coun. Allan Hubley, directs staff to develop a so-called 'bubble bylaw' within a nine-month timeline, incorporating the following considerations:
Prohibition of nuisance demonstrations : 'The bylaw shall prohibit specific nuisance demonstrations within a defined distance of vulnerable social infrastructure,' the motion states. Places may include, but not limited to, places of worship, schools, hospitals, and long-term care and congregate care facilities.
: 'The bylaw shall prohibit specific nuisance demonstrations within a defined distance of vulnerable social infrastructure,' the motion states. Places may include, but not limited to, places of worship, schools, hospitals, and long-term care and congregate care facilities. Time-limited protective zones : The motion recommends staff establish 'time-limited protective zones that are only active during operational hours or specific high-risk periods.'
: The motion recommends staff establish 'time-limited protective zones that are only active during operational hours or specific high-risk periods.' Protective distance : The motion directs staff to assess and recommend 'an appropriate protective distance around vulnerable social infrastructure' and consider 'other means' to protect safe access including approval to erect barricades and close highways
: The motion directs staff to assess and recommend 'an appropriate protective distance around vulnerable social infrastructure' and consider 'other means' to protect safe access including approval to erect barricades and close highways Targeted application : Hubley's motion recommends including provisions in the bylaw to ensure 'protective zones do not apply to demonstrations that are not specifically directed at the protected vulnerable social infrastructure.'
: Hubley's motion recommends including provisions in the bylaw to ensure 'protective zones do not apply to demonstrations that are not specifically directed at the protected vulnerable social infrastructure.' Labour/internal exemption : The motion recommends the bylaw 'explicitly exempts lawful labour union protests, strikes, pickets, or any other activities undertaken as part of a labour dispute or negotiation.'
: The motion recommends the bylaw 'explicitly exempts lawful labour union protests, strikes, pickets, or any other activities undertaken as part of a labour dispute or negotiation.' Offences and penalties: Staff are directed to include 'appropriate offences and penalties' in the bylaw.
The motion says if the Ontario or federal government enacts legislation pertaining to vulnerable infrastructure, the city will report back with an analysis for legislation.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed support for the 'bubble bylaw' earlier this week, saying he had been consulting with community representatives on how to implement a bylaw that would protect vulnerable spaces from harassment and intimidation.
'The message I've heard is that we need to take a very careful, balanced, and strategic approach to this issue. The community expects us to defend the right to protest while protecting vulnerable institutions and individuals from threats and intimidation,' Sutcliffe said.
In a post on social media after the committee approved drafting a 'bubble zone' bylaw, Sutcliffe thanked community leaders who provided input and advice to the committee.
'I'm pleased to see a strong vote of support from members of the committee for proceeding with a balanced approach that will respect and protect the right to demonstrate and protest while ensuring that residents have access to important spaces such as schools, hospitals and places of worship,' Sutcliffe said. 'Thanks to all the councillors who collaborated on a solution that achieved a wide consensus.'
Thank you to the many community leaders who provided input and advice over the past two days as a joint committee of city council considered a new bylaw to protect vulnerable social infrastructure. I'm pleased to see a strong vote of support from members of the committee for… — Mark Sutcliffe (@_MarkSutcliffe) May 16, 2025
Earlier this year, staff recommended council take a 'cautious approach' to drafting a bylaw and proposed a comprehensive review of a bylaw before moving forward. Staff also warned any bubble zone bylaw would be at risk of legal challenges.
Vaughan's bubble bylaw restricts demonstrations within 100 metres or a 'reasonable distance' from a religious institution, school childcare centre, hospital or congregate care facility.' Protesters who violate the bylaw face fines of up to $100,000.
Council must still approve the motion to direct staff to develop a bylaw for Ottawa.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's William Eltherington
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