FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 06, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2026
Coalition of Community Groups Calling for Extended Review of Proposed Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law
Coalition of Community Groups Calling for Extended Review of Proposed Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law
OTTAWA - The Defend Dissent Coalition, consisting of local community organizations and advocacy groups, is demanding that the City of Ottawa provide an adequate window for public analysis and feedback on the proposed Vulnerable Social Infrastructure (“bubble”) By-law. Specifically, the Coalition is calling for at least 60 days for the public to evaluate the details of staff’s proposal and provide their feedback to the city.
Passing this by-law would have massive implications and it should therefore be subject to an additional level of scrutiny from both Council and the public.
Similar laws in other jurisdictions restricting the right to protest are facing on-going legal challenges, including other Canadian cities like Calgary and Vaughan. The federal government has also proposed Bill C9, which similarly threatens the right to dissent. The Coalition believes Ottawa would benefit greatly from waiting until the future of these other laws is known.
“Passing this now would be an incredibly risky move, as there is no evidence that imposing these restrictions on protests will actually achieve any of their stated goals,” said Tom Ledgley, Coordinator of Horizon Ottawa. “If this passes, we know it will be challenged in court. The city will have a very hard time proving that Ottawa residents’ protest rights are worth restricting for a questionable amount of gain, while wasting a huge amount of money on legal expenses in the process.”
Aviva Shapiro, of Independent Jewish Voices Ottawa says this is far too consequential to rush a decision. “We’re talking about a municipal council reaching far beyond its mandate and violating the Charter rights of its residents. It is imperative that the city takes its time to make sure everyone really understands how serious this is.”
- 30 -
For media inquiries:
Tom Ledgley - Horizon Ottawa
613-663-7018
Signatories:
Horizon Ottawa
Latest posts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
