Proposed bylaw could create protest-free zones across Ottawa
On April 22, 2026, lawyers funded by the Justice Centre issued a legal warning to Ottawa City Council, urging it to reject a proposed bylaw that could significantly restrict freedom of expression and peaceful assembly throughout the nation’s capital.
The proposed Safe Access to Social Infrastructure Bylaw would allow places of worship, schools, childcare centres, healthcare facilities, and residential care homes to apply for “safe access zones” extending 50 metres around every entrance to their property.
To establish a zone, an institution would only need to submit an application and attest that it has a “reasonable apprehension” that certain conduct may interfere with access. The City’s general manager would then be required to approve the application without independently assessing whether the request is justified. Once established, a safe access zone would remain in effect for one year and could be renewed indefinitely.
Within these zones, the proposed bylaw would prohibit not only obstructive or intimidating conduct, but also peaceful demonstrations and broadly defined forms of noise, including “bass noise,” “unusual noise,” or any noise likely to disturb people inside the facility.
Proposed bylaw unnecessarily restricts fundamental freedoms
The Justice Centre warned that the proposed bylaw is overly broad and would create protest-free zones across Ottawa without meaningful oversight or adequate justification.
Constitutional lawyer Hatim Kheir said, “The proposed bylaw is overly broad and effectively creates protest-free zones, infringing on the fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. It is unnecessary, as existing criminal laws already prohibit obstruction of property.”
The bylaw comes into effect on August 1, 2026. Once it is in force, lawyers will determine the appropriate next steps.
