Could protests near Mississauga’s places of worship soon be pushed back 100 metres? City officials are mulling a new bylaw to create a safety zone around churches, temples, and mosques, aiming to strike a tricky balance between free expression and peace for worshippers. They’re casting a wide net for input—from residents, faith leaders, and legal experts—before deciding if this rule will stick.
“We’re looking for the sweet spot,” city brass said in a release, “where people can voice their views peacefully while keeping public safety, security, and access to worship spaces intact.” No decisions are set in stone yet—staff are digging into other cities’ playbooks, consulting stakeholders, and eyeing a possible draft bylaw for council by May 21.
The push follows a November 13 council call to explore banning demonstrations within “a reasonable distance” of sacred sites, sparked by violent clashes at protests in Mississauga and Brampton last fall. The city insists peaceful rallies won’t be stifled, but the Charter’s right to assemble must coexist with the right to worship without fear. “It’s about safety, not silencing,” officials stressed.
Brampton’s already jumped in, slapping a $100,000 fine on anyone protesting at worship sites since November 20. Vaughan’s got a similar “nuisance demonstration” ban, and Calgary’s carved out buffer zones around schools, hospitals, and religious spots. Mississauga’s team says these moves aim to curb harassment, violence, and hate—goals they’re testing against community feedback.
But not everyone’s on board. City solicitor Graham Walsh is waving a caution flag, urging “proper research and consultation” before any bylaw locks in. His December report flagged pushback from groups like the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Coalition of Hindus of North America, who slammed Brampton’s rule as a freedom squeeze. The Ontario Gurdwaras Committee also fired off a late-2024 letter, blasting Mississauga’s plan for skipping Sikh input and arguing a November 3 Brampton temple protest was lawful, not violent.
The idea took root after early November protests turned ugly, with four arrests tied to Hindu-Sikh tensions spilling across Peel Region. Ward 7 Councillor Dipika Damerla, who tabled the original motion, says it’s about shielding worshippers from intimidation. “Picture heading to Sunday service while a flag burns outside—it’s legal, but it’s a gut punch,” she told council. “Prayer’s a sanctuary, and that line’s been crossed too often.”
Damerla admits she’s no fan of curbing Charter rights but sees this as a shield for all faith communities. Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah’s on her side, backing off-limits zones after November’s temple flare-ups.
Mississauga’s not rushing it. Walsh’s team is digging deeper, with a report due early 2025. Public input’s key—officials want to hear how this could reshape the city’s vibe. Will it protect or provoke? The debate’s just heating up.