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A proposed City of Winnipeg bylaw aimed at limiting demonstrations near certain public facilities is drawing attention ahead of its review at city hall, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable spaces and critics in other jurisdictions warning similar measures can raise Charter concerns.
The Safe Access to Vulnerable Infrastructure By-law would place limits on how close nuisance demonstrations can be to designated facilities, including places of worship, schools, childcare centres and other community buildings.
The proposal comes from a motion introduced in early 2025 by Councillor Evan Duncan.
The bylaw would also allow fines for anyone who intimidates someone accessing or attempting to access a designated facility.
“While we completely respect and value people’s right to gather and express themselves, we have a duty to ensure all spaces are safe and accessible to those who want or need to visit them,” Duncan said in a City of Winnipeg news release.
Duncan added that “every Winnipegger has the right to safely access places of worship, healthcare providers, and other facilities without fear, intimidation, or obstruction.”
Under the draft bylaw, fines would start at $500 for a first offence and increase up to $5,000 for third and subsequent offences, following The Provincial Offences Act. Enforcement would fall to city bylaw officers and the Winnipeg Police Service.
Similar “bubble zone” style bylaws in other Canadian cities have prompted debate, with some civil liberties advocates arguing such measures can restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly if not carefully tailored.
Winnipeg’s Executive Policy Committee is scheduled to consider the bylaw on Feb. 17, before it moves to city council for final consideration on Feb. 26.
The details of the proposed buffer distances and designated facilities would be outlined in the final version presented to council.
