Bubble zones, raves and dangerous dogs on Toronto city council agenda

Bubble zones, raves and dangerous dogs are all on the agenda as Toronto city council kicks off three days of meetings on Wednesday.

Those are just three of the big issues coming to council, in addition to a lawsuit over Gardiner Expressway construction, potential updates to park rules, a city beauty plan and more. 

Here's a look at what to expect:

Council should get some answers to questions surrounding a plan for a bylaw that would ban demonstrations directly outside places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions.

According to a city council motion passed in December, the proposed "bubble zone" bylaw would create community safety zones to support "the City's commitment to keeping Torontonians safe from hate" and protect Charter rights "that address impacts of demonstrations that target people based on their identity as prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code."

The bylaw, sought by councillors following a wave of protests largely spurred by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the resulting war in Gaza, was supposed to be ready by the end of March. Staff are now expected to bring a report on bubble zones back to council next month, with a proposed bylaw and recommendations.

Coun. Gord Perks has asked city staff questions about the language used in an online survey consulting the public on the issue.

The request followed a letter from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association that says while the survey said the bylaw is not intended to limit peaceful protest, it would do just that, violating the Charter. It also points out the survey was anonymous and could be taken by people not living in Toronto, and that it failed to mention that a similar bylaw in another municipality is currently under legal challenge.

"With a matter of such sensitivity, it is important to ensure that the consultation process is diligent, fair, and process oriented," Perks wrote in his request.

Perks was one of three councillors who attended a rally against the proposed bylaw this month.

The city's rave scene will also be under review Wednesday.

Coun. Chris Moise has introduced a motion to urge the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario give the city more power to deny special occasion permits (SOPs) — the temporary liquor licenses needed for electronic music raves in spaces like parks and warehouses.

Moise says he and other councillors have heard a "surge" of concerns around public safety, dangerous overcrowding and noise complaints related to rave parties hosted by certain, unnamed non-profit organizations.

"While the majority of non-profit events in our city contribute positively to our community, a few have exploited regulatory exemptions, undermining the public trust and safety that these guidelines are intended to protect," Moise said in his motion.