Latest news with #bubblezone
National Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Chris Selley: No municipal bylaw will calm the anti-Israel rabble
On Thursday Toronto city council passed a bylaw allowing schools, daycares and places of worship to apply for a 50-metre 'bubble zone' in which protesting would be prohibited. The impetus, obviously, is the anti-Israel protesters who have been targeting synagogues since Oct. 7, 2003. They and their supporters naturally complained bitterly about this new bylaw — a violation of the Charter, they said confidently. (Typically, council voted down a motion that would have made public the legal advice it had received on the matter.) Article content Article content Article content That said, it seems doubtful any of the synagogue protesters are much worried about this development. Several have proven themselves perfectly willing to be arrested for their cause (though Crown prosecutors have often been uninterested in pursuing charges). The idea they would defer to Toronto's bylaw officers is risible. Article content Article content The idea Toronto bylaw officers would even wade into this is somewhat dubious, frankly, though council approved funding for 12 new officers. 'Toronto bylaw officer' is not a byword for 'robust, consistent and judicious enforcement.' In an extraordinary illustration of who really runs City Hall, in January, Toronto's executive director of licensing and standards announced to council's budget committee that he was thenceforth refusing to have bylaw officers deal with unlicensed marijuana retailers. 'These officers do not have arrest powers and are not permitted or trained to use force while carrying out enforcement activities,' Carleton Grant, who remains in his position, told the committee. 'This makes the enforcement of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries challenging and presents health and safety risks to officers.' Article content Article content And wading into a baying mob demanding global intifada 40 metres in front of a bubble-zoned synagogue is … what, exactly? A fun day out? Article content Article content But Jewish Canadians have freedom of association as well, not to mention freedom of worship. On its face, a 50-metre no-go zone seems reasonable. If it's unreasonable, then the Criminal Code is also unreasonable — perhaps even more so. Section 176 reads as follows: 'Everyone who wilfully disturbs or interrupts an assemblage of persons met for religious worship or for a moral, social or benevolent purpose is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.'
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Toronto council to vote today on proposed bylaw that limits protests outside places of worship
City council will vote today on a proposed bylaw that would limit protests outside places of worship and other 'vulnerable institutions.' Councillors are debating the proposal at city hall on Thursday which would establish a 20-metre radius around places likes churches, hospitals, schools, daycares and libraries if requested by the owners of those facilities. The bylaw, which was released last week by the city manager, requires those owners to attest that a protest, which 'impeded' access to the property, had occurred in the previous three months. Successful applications would result in an 'access area' or what's known as a 'bubble zone' being established for 180 days, which could then be renewed. Protests in the city have increased in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war and Toronto police said earlier this year that they responded to 2,000 'unplanned events' in 2024. It's unclear how many of those protests took place outside of the institutions described in the bylaw. The city said it would need to spend $1.6 million for 12 bylaw officers to enforce the rules. Another $200,000 would go towards public education. Those who break the bylaw could face a fine of up to $5,000. If approved, the bylaw would go into effect on July 2. The city manager was asked to craft the bylaw, in consultation with the city solicitor, in Dec. 2024. Since then, a number of public consultations were held to gather input and found that 63 per cent of respondents were either strongly unsupportive or somewhat unsupportive of the law. Speaking before council on Wednesday, Chow acknowledged that the city has to balance competing priorities. 'On one hand, there are community concerns around attending places of worship and a lot of fear for their safety. On the other hand, we have to protect the Charter rights to freely assemble and expression,' she said. Coun. James Pasternak put forward two motions Wednesday to increase the size of the 'bubble zone' from 20 metres to 50 or 100 metres and underscored that he believes the law would not impact freedom of speech. 'It doesn't take any rights away. It doesn't take away the right to protest, the right to picket, or the right to free speech. And all it's doing is extending rights to those who want to walk into vulnerable institutions,' he said Wednesday. Coun. Chris Moise put forward his own motion to defer a vote on the proposed bylaw to wait until Ottawa introduces a federal law related to accessing places of worship, something Prime Minister Mark Carney said he would table in the run up to last month's election. The motion was defeated. Similar bylaws have been passed in Vaughan and Brampton, after large-scale, and in some cases violent, protests broke out near synagogues and temples, respectively, last year. Those bylaws limit protests to 100 metres from a place of worship and owners of those institutions do not need to apply for an access area to be established.
CBC
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Toronto city council debating controversial 'bubble zone' protest bylaw today
Social Sharing Toronto councillors are set Thursday to debate a staff-recommended 20-metre "bubble zone" bylaw aimed at restricting protests around places of worship, daycares and schools. It's a measure that comes with controversy. Some faith leaders and councillors who support the bylaw say it doesn't go far enough to protect vulnerable groups, while others say such a bylaw will infringe on people's right to protest. Speaking at a news conference Wednesday spearheaded by Coun. James Pasternak, leaders from an assortment of faiths threw their support behind the bubble zone idea — but said the proposed bylaw still needs changes. Rev. Ron Matheson of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada told reporters that Torontonians should be able to go to places of worship without the threat of harassment, intimidation and fear. In the last year and a half, he said, he has seen hate hurled at vulnerable groups "with glee." "It's shocking. The city of Toronto I moved to in 1995 was a safe place where this would not have been necessary, but it is necessary now," Matheson said. "Our world is changing, our country is changing — but we can do something about it." The latest recommendations from city staff come after months of demonstrations in front of hospitals, places of worship and cultural centres following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, and the subsequent bombardment of Gaza from Israel. The proposed bylaw would not mean blanket ban across the city but would instead operate on a request-based system and allow vulnerable institutions to apply for a 20-metre buffer zone that would be in place for roughly six months. Similar bylaws enacted in Vaughan, Brampton For a buffer zone request to be approved, the owners of any institutions would have to demonstrate how they've been affected by a protest within the last 90 days. After the six-month period is up, the application could be renewed, the proposed bylaw says. If passed, Toronto would follow in the footsteps of other cities including Vaughan and Brampton, which implemented similar measures last year after waves of protests and clashes sparked calls to prohibit such events near buildings considered to be social infrastructure in the eyes of the city. WATCH | Reaction to proposed ban on protests near places of worship: Toronto considers ban on protests near places of worship 5 months ago Duration 7:42 Police and bylaw officers are expected to warn people in these zones before issuing fines, allowing them the chance to leave the area voluntarily. If the buffer zone bylaw is passed in Toronto, the maximum fine would be $5,000. Staff say a 20-metre buffer is a "reasonable perimeter" that will protect access to the facilities, while being "minimally impairing" on Charter rights. Others disagree. At Wednesday's news conference, Coun. Dianne Saxe called the bylaw proposed by staff an "insult to the Jewish community" that will "not provide any protection," while Coun. Brad Bradford said it was "totally inadequate." Groups warn of infringement on right to protest Bradford took issue with the application process putting the onus on groups to have to apply for protections, and called for a bubble zone distance more in line with those seen in Vaughan and Brampton, at 100 metres. Pasternak said he could see a range of 50 to 100 metres, accounting for the realities of a "tight urban environment." "I don't want people who have been subjected to this to have to come and fill out a form and say, 'We have been victimized, we need protection,'" Bradford said. "That should be available to them and it shouldn't be a big, bureaucratic process." In Vaughan and Brampton, the ban automatically applies to places of worship and no application is required. Conversely, a joint letter sent to the city last week from The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Centre for Free expression says the bylaw "represents a significant risk to peaceful expression and assembly, and is not necessary in light of existing police powers. "The police already have broad powers to protect access to property and to intervene in the event of a threat to human physical safety, including during protests," the letter reads. "Therefore, a new bylaw is simply unnecessary." Coun. Paula Fletcher, who represents Toronto–Danforth, was one of several councillors who attended a rally last month pushing back against the proposed bylaw, saying at the time "it's a very fine line that we have to walk" when it comes to people's Charter rights. Staff say the city is expected to spend roughly $1.6 million to hire 12 staff and purchase the vehicles and laptops required to administer the bylaw. It says another $200,000 will be needed for public education as part of the proposal. If approved by council, the bylaw would come into effect on July 2.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Council votes to draft 'bubble bylaw' to curtail protests near 'vulnerable' sites
Ottawa city councillors voted on Friday to draft a bylaw creating 80-metre buffer zones to limit demonstrations around sites and facilities considered "vulnerable public infrastructure." If enacted, a so-called "bubble zone bylaw" could restrict protests near institutions such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. It would be aimed at preventing harassment and hate speech. A joint meeting of council's Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services and Public Works and Infrastructure committees voted 14-2 in favour of the motion, after Coun. Allan Hubley proposed modifications to Coun. David Hill's original draft. Hubley's modifications aimed to mitigate concerns that Hill's original motion contained terms such as "nuisance demonstration" and "intimidation" that were considered too subjective and risked giving police too much discretion in enforcing the bylaw. The amended motion proposed a more "narrowly tailored" bylaw to prohibit demonstrations "during operational hours or specific high-risk periods" within 80 metres of "vulnerable social infrastructure." The motion specifically exempts protests over labour disputes or negotiations, as well as demonstrations not specifically directed at a protected site. Embassies, city hall and Parliament would still be fair game for demonstrations, even if those buildings contain educational facilities, clinics or other care services. City entering 'area of risk,' councillor warns In bringing the motion, Hill insisted "common sense prevails." "What we're looking for is a made-in-Ottawa solution for Ottawa," he said. After the vote, Hill told CBC the ultimate goal is to introduce "a bubble zone bylaw that will help keep our community safe while allowing for peaceful protest." But Coun. Sean Devine, who alongside Coun. Jessica Bradley voted against the motion, said he worried the city had "chartered into an area of risk." "We may have also kind of cleaved away at some fundamental rights and freedoms," he told CBC after the vote. Devine said he's concerned "legitimate, grounded and reasonable protest" could be restricted by the bylaw. "Protest is dialogue, protest is exchange, and we need dialogue, we need exchange as a means of trying to bring about necessary change sometimes," the Knoxdale-Merivale councillor said. Devine, who was earlier outvoted in a separate motion to defer the plan, said he fears the city is rushing ahead unnecessarily. "We are not the experts on these kind of constitutional matters," he said. A lively debate The motion followed two days of lively debate and personal testimony from Ottawa residents, some strongly in favour and others strongly against the proposed bylaw Members of Ottawa's Jewish community spoke of feeling particularly under threat since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and Israel's military response, both of which have sparked demonstrations in Ottawa. Ted Cohen, the CEO of Hillel Lodge, a long-term care home on Broadview Avenue housing several Jewish residents including Holocaust survivors, described a loud protest outside a nearby Jewish community centre last fall. "Protesters arrived with signage, flags, banners, bullhorns, loudspeakers and drums. Most had their faces covered. The protest was loud, forceful and unrelenting," Cohen said, adding that speakers used during the demonstration were so powerful that vibrations could be felt inside the home. "Staff reported residents asking repeatedly, 'What's happening? Why are they yelling? Are we in danger?'" Cohen continued. He'd like demonstrations around nursing homes to face restrictions. At the same time, several people who urged councillors to vote against developing the bylaw invoked separate demonstrations last year targeting so-called "gender ideology" outside Nepean High School. Those demonstrations inspired counter-protests that participants and supporters said allowed them to feel safer and exercise their own Charter rights. If a bubble of 100 metres was imposed between protests and protected sites, as some have recommended, "I'm still going to be putting my body between these people and my children," said Katy de Sousa, a parent of a child attending school in the area. On the other hand, "if I cross to 99 metres, [there's a fear] I'm going to be slammed with a ticket that's going to change my livelihood," she said.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
City staff propose 20-metre protest 'bubble zone' for schools, daycares and places of worship
Social Sharing City staff are recommending a 20-metre "bubble zone" bylaw aimed at restricting protests around places of worship, daycares and schools in Toronto — a policy that has already prompted hundreds of people, including city councillors, to protest against it, saying it could threaten democracy. The proposed bylaw, which would not adopt a blanket ban across the city, would operate on a request-based system and allow vulnerable institutions to apply for a 20-metre buffer zone that would be in place for roughly six months. In order for a buffer zone request to be approved, owners of the institutions would have to demonstrate how they've been affected by a protest within the last 90 days. After the six month period is up, the application could be renewed, the proposed bylaw says. If passed, Toronto would follow in the footsteps of other cities including Vaughan and Brampton, which implemented similar measures last year after waves of protests and clashes sparked calls for prohibiting such events from taking place near buildings considered to be social infrastructure in the eyes of the city. Police and bylaw officers are expected to warn individuals in these said zones before issuing fines, allowing them the chance to leave the area voluntarily. If the buffer zone bylaw is passed in Toronto, the maximum penalty for individuals fined would be $5,000. Staff say the 20-metre buffer is a "reasonable perimeter" that will protect access to the facilities, while being "minimally impairing" on Charter rights. Council to vote next week The latest recommendations from Toronto city staff come after months of protesters taking to Toronto streets and demonstrating in front of hospitals, places of worship and cultural centres following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. Zeus Eden, spokesperson for Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, said the mayor "believes that any bylaw must protect people's Charter rights to assembly, expression and religion, while addressing community concerns about safety and protecting access to places of worship," in a statement Thursday. Council will vote on the proposed bylaw next week, which if passed, would come into effect on July 2. Some councillors had sought the bylaw following the wave of protests, while others joined in demonstrating against such measures. York Centre Coun. James Pasternak, who is one of the leading voices advocating for the bylaw, said he favours protecting vulnerable institutions from protests through this measure. But Coun. Paula Fletcher, who represents Toronto—Danforth, attended a rally last month for calls against the bylaw, saying at the time "it's a very fine line that we have to walk" on the proposed bylaw, when it comes to charter rights. $1.6M earmarked for new bylaw Staff say the city is expected to spend roughly $1.6 million to hire 12 staff along with purchasing vehicles and laptops required to administer the bylaw. It says another $200,000 will be needed for public education as part of this proposal. "The City of Toronto is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly those accessing programs and services at places of worship, schools and childcare centres," said Russell Baker, the city's manager of media relations, in a statement to CBC News Thursday. Baker said the proposed bylaw amendment builds on an existing city bylaw to "protect these spaces and their visitors from blocked entrances while respecting the rights of individuals to peaceful assembly." "While the proposed bylaw prohibits certain behaviours, it does not ban peaceful gatherings, protests or demonstrations, including those that occur as part of labour union activities, as long as they do not impede access," Baker said. WATCH | Toronto considers ban on protests near places of worship 5 months ago Duration 7:42 He said that this takes into consideration freedom of expression and peaceful assembly that are protected under Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "The City undertook a multi-pronged approach for public consultation to maximize opportunities for public input and enable broad participation and inclusive representation," he said, adding that public consultations were held between March 17 and May 1. Toronto would follow Vaughan, Brampton Other cities have implemented such legislation, including Vaughan, Brampton and Calgary. Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca oversaw the bylaw, which was was drafted and passed by council in seven weeks in early May 2024 following several demonstrations that took place in Thornhill outside a synagogue. Individuals can face penalties of up to $100,000 under the bylaw. Brampton city council also approved a bylaw in November 2024, prohibiting "nuisance demonstrations" outside places of worship in the municipality following a series of violent clashes. The bylaw bans protesting within 100 metres of the property line of any place of worship in Brampton. Anyone who violates the bylaw could face a fine anywhere between $500 and $100,000. Meanwhile, in Ottawa, city councillors are debating whether to proceed with the development of a similar bylaw that would place a buffer between protesters and institutions including places of worship, schools and hospitals — in the name of preventing harassment and hate speech.
