Toronto city council debates controversial ‘bubble zone’ bylaw prohibiting protests near schools, religious institutions

Toronto city council debates controversial ‘bubble zone’ bylaw prohibiting protests near schools, religious institutions

Pro-Palestine demonstrators rally at the University of Toronto on May 27, 2024.

Toronto will soon be able to restrict protests near schools, daycares and places of worship after city council voted to pass a controversial “bubble zone” bylaw on Thursday.

The bylaw, which takes effect July 2, will allow institutions to request 50-metre buffer zones prohibiting demonstrations around their properties. The measure was approved 16-9 after hours of debate.

“This bylaw is a step toward a safer city where all Torontonians can access critical social infrastructure,” said Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin. “This bylaw protects all of us.”

Toronto is the latest Canadian city to wre