The public consultation process for the proposed bylaw is now closed. Thank you to all who participated to share their feedback and experiences. The input gathered through the consultation process will be reflected in the report that will be presented to City Council at their next meeting on May 21-23, 2025.
Residents can submit written comments to City Council. Review guidance and timelines for submitting to City Council.
At its meeting on December 17 and 18, 2024 (2024.CC24.2), Toronto City Council adopted the following decision:
“City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the City Solicitor, applicable City divisions, the Toronto Police Service and other applicable stakeholders, to report to City Council in the first quarter of 2025, informed by public consultations and a constitutional legal expert opinion on the Charter Rights implications from the City Solicitor, with a proposed by-law, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable institutions such as places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions, that supports the City’s commitment to keeping Torontonians safe from hate and protects Charter rights that address impacts of demonstrations that target people based on their identity as prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code.”
If adopted by City Council, a bylaw would apply to public areas owned by the City of Toronto near and connected to vulnerable institutions. Examples of these areas include streets and sidewalks.
The bylaw would not apply to private property, property owned by other governments and it is not intended to prohibit peaceful and lawful demonstrations.
Other municipalities in Canada have adopted bylaws that prohibit certain activities within specific distances of city facilities and institutions. Examples include Brampton, Calgary and Vaughan.
As defined in the City’s Policy Framework – City Response to Demonstrations, demonstrations refer to public gatherings where people assemble around a common purpose as a form of peaceful assembly and expression. Unlike other organized events, the City does not issue permits for demonstrations on publicly accessible City property. Examples of demonstrations include (but are not limited to) protests, rallies and vigils.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
The consultation, which was open from March 17 to May 1, 2025, gathered feedback around the following: