Toronto's 'bubble zone' bylaw to block protests outside certain spaces to be delayed indefinitely

Toronto's plan to create "bubble zones" to block protests outside vulnerable institutions like faith-based schools and places of worship has been delayed indefinitely, CBC Toronto has learned.

The new 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. But city staff now say they can't meet that deadline, as they seek further public input, according to a letter from city manager Paul Johnson.

Coun. James Pasternak, who represents a ward with one of the city's largest Jewish populations, said he's fed up with the delay. 

"People are fearful," said the York Centre councillor. "I don't think there's a recognition of the crisis that's engulfing the city."

Toronto police reported last October that officers responded to more than 1,500 demonstrations in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, but didn't specify how many took place near schools or places of worship.

Hate crime statistics released by police in June found Jewish people were targeted in 45 per cent of cases, though members of various communities have pointed out incidents can often go underreported due to a mistrust of police that keeps victims from coming forward.

Last December, Pasternak and city council passed a motion calling on city staff to come up with a bylaw to limit where demonstrations can be held in a bid to protect vulnerable members of the public from harassment and hate. 

He said he's upset staff haven't offered an estimate on when the draft bylaw will be ready.

Johnson declined an interview for this story, but said in a statement that city staff "will report back to Council in a timely manner once the public consultation is completed."

While Toronto prepares to hold public consultations, certain other municipalities have already passed similar bylaws. But some groups are critical of the proposal, arguing they infringe on the right to protest and on freedom of speech.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says the proposed "bubble zones" unreasonably limit the public's right to demonstrate.

"The essence of bubble zone bylaws is to restrict undesirable protests near certain social infrastructure," Anais Bussieres McNicoll, a lawyer with the CCLA said. "These types of bylaws directly target and infringe on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly."

McNicoll said the CCLA is planning to register a formal complaint with the city. 

Jack Copple, of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, pointed out in a letter to the city in December that many of the activities the proposal is meant to target — like destruction of property, and violence — are already illegal.