Since October 2023, there has been an increase in protests and demonstrations across the world, and Toronto has been no exception. In March 2024, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw reported that Toronto has seen a 93 percent increase in hate crimes since October 7, 2023. A shocking 56 percent of incidents have been antisemitic and target Toronto’s Jewish minority – but there have also been increases in anti-LGBTQ hate, anti-Black hate, and anti-Arab, Muslim and Palestinian hate. At the October 2023 Council meeting, Council unanimously passed Mayor Chow’s motion 2023.MM11.37, “Keeping Toronto Safe from Hate.” This motion supported the creation of “community safety zones… inclusive of areas surrounding places of worship and cultural and religious daycares and schools recognized as a potential target for hate.” To date, no such zones have been created. Instead, demonstrations continue to occur close to and target such facilities, creating fear and distress for many Torontonians. This is why we ask the Province to urgently develop policy and legislation to create safety zones with a radius of 50 to 150 metres, modelled on the “bubble zone” laws that protect women’s access to reproductive health, such as Ontario’s Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017. All people of Toronto have the right to safely gather and peacefully co-exist. While we must protect the right to peaceful protest and ensure all Torontonians have an opportunity to voice their opinion, this must not extend to disturbing protests that target vulnerable locations such as places of worship, faith-based schools, daycares, or cultural community centres. Torontonians are looking to their elected officials to take action to ensure their safety.
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