Toronto councilors approve controversial protest ‘bubble zone’ bylaw [Video]

Mayor Olivia Chow waves to the crowd at council chambers during her Declaration of Office Ceremony, at Toronto City Hall on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tijana Martin

Toronto councillors passed a controversial motion to restrict protests around places of worship, schools and daycares.

The “bubble zone” bylaw was approved 16-9 after a lengthy council meeting Thursday afternoon.

Critics say the bylaw, which will go into effect on July 2, is unnecessary and restricts the rights to peaceful gatherings.

Speaking during the council meeting, Coun. Alejandra Bravo said protests are a “useful and important” form of a free speech that needs to be protected, and that the move to restrict them could trigger challenges to Charter rights in court.

Supporters of the motion, however, argue it provides the tool the city needs to support vulnerable communities.

Coun. Lily Cheng says the “boundary” created by the bylaw aims “to protect …