A new bylaw establishing “safe access zones” will take effect in August, prohibiting protests within 50 metres of certain buildings, after the controversial bylaw was approved 20 to four by council on Wednesday. Councillors Ariel Troster, Shawn Menard, Jessica Bradley and Sean Devine voted against the bylaw.
Perhaps one of the most contentious by-laws to move through City Hall in this term is the social infrastructure by-law, also dubbed the “bubble bylaw”, which was first introduced in October of 2024. At that time, council directed staff to explore the feasibility of a bubble bylaw and examine other municipalities where similar bylaws have been enacted.
The bylaw would allow designated social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and places of worship to apply for a safe access zone, extending 50 metres from the entrance, and ban most protests inside that zone.
Affected infrastructure is government-owned property that primarily provides medical care, education, and long-term care, and excludes places like Parliament, Ottawa City Hall and embassies. “Lawful” protests, such as labour union protests, strikes, and pickets, will be exempt from the bylaw.
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