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Ottawa city councillors will soon consider a new measure to restrict protests near schools, hospitals and places of worship, starting this summer.
The 16 members of Ottawa’s emergency preparedness and public works committees are being asked to weigh in on a proposal to set up “safe access zones” around those facilities, as well as child-care centres, community health centres and care homes.
They’ll vote on the so-called “bubble bylaw” later this month.
The zones would extend 50 metres, or about 165 feet, from walkways, driveways or doorways to those buildings. The aim is to allow protesters to have their say, while ensuring unhindered access to those properties for everyone else.
The full report and bylaw are embedded at the bottom of this story.
Facilities would have to apply for the safe access zones, which would remain in place for a year and could be renewed. It would apply 24/7 to residential buildings, and one hour before opening and after closing at other facilities.
If approved, the new bylaw would kick in Aug. 1.
Feeling unsafe
According to a staff report, the initiative comes amid a rise in hate, frequent demonstrations and a general decline in how safe people feel.
Staff caution that any restrictions on protests must adhere to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and be “reasonable, prescribed by law, and demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”
Cities such as Calgary and Toronto have brought in similar bylaws.
In Ottawa, staff tested the buffer by holding mock demonstrations at distances of 20, 50 and 80 metres.
“From 50 [metres], a person at a normal speaking volume may still be heard but may be drowned out by traffic or other environmental noise. They may have to shout to be heard,” according to the staff report.
“Print on signs would need to be at least 13 cm high to be legible at this distance.”
The bylaw could also ban loudspeakers, bass or other “unusual noise,” as well as pyrotechnics.
City staff did not recommend including libraries and community centres in the bylaw, explaining that those facilities already have codes of conduct and protocols in place.
Voting April 17, 22
The committee meeting starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 17, in Andrew Haydon Hall, the council chamber at Ottawa city hall.
Committee members are being asked to keep the following Monday clear in case more time is required.
If approved at that meeting, the bylaw will go to the full city council for a final vote on April 22.