HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-24
Electronic Council Communications Information
Package
Date:May 23, 2025
Time:12:00 PM
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Pages
1.Region of Durham Correspondence
1.1 Monitoring of Growth Trends #2025-INFO-40 - May 23, 2025 3
2.Durham Municipalities Correspondence
2.1 Town of Ajax - Judicial Capacity and Disclosure Timelines - May 21,
2025
9
3.Other Municipalities Correspondence
3.1 Town of LaSalle - Northern Health Travel Grant Program - February 5,
2025
12
3.2 The Regional Municipality of Halton - Reducing Homelessness and
Managing Encampments - May 21, 2025
14
3.3 The Municipality of Kincardine - Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our
Economy Act - May 14, 2025
16
4.Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence
5.Miscellaneous Correspondence
5.1 Marvin Rotrand, Director General, United Against Hate Canada - Update
- Legislation to Control Hateful Rallies at Religious Institutions and Faith
Based Schools - May 15, 2025
18
5.2 Notice Package - Proposed Shared Tower Inc Radiocommunication
Tower 2340 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Bowmanville
29
5.3 Sanjin Zeco, Resident - Growth and Opposition to Elements of Bill 5 -
May 20, 2025
38
May 23, 2025
Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP)
Page 2
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2564
The Regional Municipality of Durham
Information Report
From: Commissioner of Community Growth and Economic Development
Report: #2025-INFO-40
Date: May 23, 2025
Subject:
Monitoring of Growth Trends, File: D01-02-01
Recommendation:
Receive for information.
Report:
1. Purpose
1.1 This report is the first of two biannual reports monitoring growth trends in Durham. It
presents historical population and household data for the Region and area
municipalities for the 2020 to 2024 period.
1.2 The data is provided for the end of May to correspond with the timing of a Census,
and for December to correspond with the calendar year-end. Information presented
in this report is intended for use in various Regional studies and programs, such as
Development Charges Background Studies, and in preparing capital budgets for
Regional infrastructure, as well as other agency initiatives.
2. Previous Reports and Decisions
2.1 Monitoring of Growth Trends – dated May 24, 2024 (2024-INFO-38)
2.2 Monitoring of Growth Trends – dated November 29, 2024 (2024-INFO-80)
Page 3
Page 2 of 4
3. Historical Population and Household Estimates (2020-2024)
3.1 The population and household estimates presented in Attachment 1 are based on:
a. Statistics Canada Census information for 2016 and 2021 including an estimate
for net undercoverage 1;
b. Statistics Canada Annual Demographic Estimates;
c. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) monthly housing
completion data; and
d. Building permits issued for residential demolitions.
3.2 Base-year household estimates are founded on information from the Statistics
Canada Census. Household estimates for 2016 and 2021 are based on the
Statistics Canada Census counts for “Private dwellings occupied by usual
residents”.
3.3 For interim years, CMHC housing completions are used to approximate the number
of new households added each year. Housing completions are also the basis for
estimating population growth where population estimates are not available from
Statistics Canada2.
3.4 The Statistics Canada Annual Demographic Estimates are calculated from federal
records for births, deaths, immigration and emigration. The Regional Health
Department also receives this data from the Ministry of Heath and Long-term Care,
which is based on the same Statistics Canada annual reporting, to inform their
demographic analysis. This data is also published on the Durham Region
Population Data Tracker3.
3.5 The process for estimating population and households also considers the impact of
vacant homes, short-term rentals and dwellings occupied by non-permanent
residents such as international students and temporary foreign workers. To account
1. Net undercoverage refers to the net population counts that are missed during the Census enumeration
due to persons with no usual residence, incorrect questionnaires, missed dwellings, away from home, etc.
2. For years where population estimates are not published on the Data Tracker, household growth is used
to approximate the increase in population. At the time this report was prepared, population estimates since
2022 were not available through the Data Tracker.
3. Durham Regional Health Department receives population estimates from the Province, that are based on
Statistics Canada’s annual population estimate for July 1st. This information is used to interpolate the
population for May 31st and December 31st.
Page 4
Page 3 of 4
for this, household estimates are calibrated with a conservative vacancy rate (0.5%)
for new residential units.
3.6 The semi-annual population estimates presented in Attachment #1 indicate that the
Region’s annual population growth increased by 14,760 persons from 2023 to 2024,
which is slightly lower than the five-year average (15,370). The growth rate last year
was 1.93%. Comparatively, the average annual population growth for the five-year
period from 2020 to 2024 was 2.10%.
3.7 The semi-annual household estimates presented in Attachment #1 indicate that the
Region’s annual household growth increased by 4,860 households from 2023 to
2024, representing a growth rate of 1.92%. Comparatively, the annual household
growth for the five-year period from 2020 to 2024 was 1.61%.
4. Relationship to Strategic Plan
4.1 This report addresses the following Strategic Directions and Pathways in Durham
Region’s 2025-2035 Strategic Plan:
a. Connected and Vibrant Communities
• C1. Align Regional infrastructure and asset management with projected
growth, climate impacts, and community needs.
b. Strong Relationships
• S3. Collaborate across local area municipalities, with agencies, non-
profits, and community partners to deliver co-ordinated and efficient
services.
4.2 This report aligns with the following Foundation in Durham Region’s 2025-2035
Strategic Plan:
a. Processes: Continuously improving processes to ensure we are responsive to
community needs.
5. Conclusion
5.1 Regional Council will continue to be kept apprised of emerging population and
household data and trends through regular updates of this information.
5.2 A copy of this report will be forwarded to the Area Municipalities, the Durham
Regional Police Services, Ontario Health atHome (formerly Local Health Integration
Network) and the School Boards in Durham.
Page 5
Page 4 of 4
5.3 For additional information, contact: Colleen Goodchild, Director of Community
Growth at 905-668-7711, extension 2580.
6.Attachments
Attachment #1: Semi-annual Population Estimates, 2020-2024 (Table 1) and
Semi-annual Household Estimates, 2020-2024 (Table 2)
Respectfully submitted,
Original signed by
Ramesh Jagannathan, M.B.A., M.Eng.,
P.Eng., PTOE for
Elaine C. Baxter-Trahair
Chief Administrative Officer
Page 6
Attachment 1
Note: All figures rounded
Source: Statistics Canada Census, Annual Demographic, CMHC monthly housing
completions data and building permit records.
Table 1
Semi-annual Population Estimates, 2020-2024 (May and December)
Year Ajax Brock Clarington Oshawa Pickering Scugog Uxbridge Whitby Durham
2020
(May)
132,305 12,910 102,000 179,135 101,310 22,140 22,205 140,755 712,760
2020
(Dec)
132,705 12,850 102,865 179,530 103,755 22,175 22,275 142,630 718,785
2021
(May)
134,225 13,700 104,080 181,080 103,240 22,565 22,350 144,790 726,030
2021
(Dec)
134,630 13,725 105,525 182,210 103,985 22,550 22,360 147,220 732,210
2022
(May)
135,020 13,825 107,225 187,660 105,235 22,940 22,995 149,555 744,455
2022
(Dec)
135,645 13,845 108,265 190,055 105,790 22,930 23,075 151,315 750,920
2023
(May)
135,965 13,865 108,820 191,910 107,115 22,925 23,170 152,650 756,415
2023
(Dec)
136,370 13,880 109,335 193,775 111,280 22,935 23,295 154,430 765,305
2024
(May)
137,070 13,900 109,820 194,655 114,375 22,935 23,345 155,500 771,600
2024
(Dec)
137,565 13,910 110,520 196,885 117,825 22,940 23,520 156,900 780,065
Page 7
Attachment 1
Note: All figures rounded
Source: Statistics Canada Census, Annual Demographic, CMHC monthly housing
completions data and building permit records.
Table 2
Semi-annual Household Estimates, 2020-2024 (May and December)
Year Ajax Brock Clarington Oshawa Pickering Scugog Uxbridge Whitby Durham
2020
(May)
39,325 4,685 35,460 66,405 32,510 8,260 7,960 45,550 240,160
2020
(Dec)
39,450 4,785 35,730 66,595 33,215 8,275 7,990 46,110 242,140
2021
(May)
39,490 4,790 35,955 66,635 33,425 8,290 8,010 46,460 243,050
2021
(Dec)
39,610 4,795 36,455 67,050 33,665 8,285 8,010 47,240 245,110
2022
(May)
39,715 4,800 36,685 67,315 33,875 8,280 8,035 47,890 246,600
2022
(Dec)
39,895 4,805 37,040 68,175 34,055 8,275 8,065 48,455 248,770
2023
(May)
39,990 4,815 37,230 68,840 34,480 8,275 8,100 48,880 250,610
2023
(Dec)
40,110 4,820 37,405 69,510 35,820 8,275 8,145 49,450 253,540
2024
(May)
40,315 4,825 37,570 69,825 36,820 8,280 8,160 49,795 255,590
2024
(Dec)
40,460 4,830 37,810 70,625 37,930 8,280 8,220 50,245 258,400
Page 8
TOWN OF AJAX
65 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax ON L1S 3S9
www.ajax.ca
____________________________________________________________________________
Attorney General Doug Downey
Ministry of the Attorney General
McMurtry-Scott Building
11th Floor
720 Bay St.
Toronto, ON M7A 2S9
doug.downey@pc.ola.org
Sent by E-Mail
May 21, 2025
Re: Judicial Capacity and Disclosure Timelines
The following resolution was passed by Ajax Town Council at its meeting held on May
20, 2025:
Whereas many judicial cases in Ontario are dismissed due to structural gaps in
the justice system; and,
Whereas the majority of criminal cases in the province have ended with charges
being withdrawn, stayed, dismissed, or discharged before a decision at trial
since 2020; and,
Whereas in 2022-23, the latest fiscal year of data available, 56 percent of
criminal cases ended with charges being withdrawn, stayed, dismissed, or
discharged, a 14 percent increase since 2013-2014, when guilty decisions still
made up most outcomes; and,
Whereas without action to address judicial capacity and disclosure timelines
from the Ontario government and the Ministry of the Attorney General, cases will
continue to be dismissed; and,
Whereas the combination of the R v. Jordan precedent and increasingly
complex investigations has put police forces and courts under immense
pressure, leading to case dismissals due to delays; and,
Page 9
Whereas the lead time imposed by the Ministry of the Attorney General has
added additional pressure on existing resources, further increasing delays; and,
Whereas the biggest challenge remains initial disclosure, where incomplete
materials force additional requests from Crown and Defence, triggering further
bottlenecks and delays throughout the process; and,
Whereas on April 15, 2024, Ajax Council passed a motion, Increasing the
Number of Judges in Ontario, and on April 11, 2025, Ontario Big City Mayors
passed a motion, Judicial Capacity and Disclosure Timelines, both calling for
additional resources for Ontario’s overwhelmed court system; and,
Whereas on April 28, 2025, Attorney General Doug Downey announced the
addition of 17 new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice to help the court keep
pace with the growing number of cases and to address some of the backlog;
and,
Whereas the addition of 17 new judges is a strong step in the right direction, the
pressure from the Ministry of Attorney General’s requirements is putting police
forces in a strenuous position;
Now therefore be it resolved that:
1. Ajax Council asks the Ontario government to action the following:
• Expand judicial capacity, including Crown attorneys and court staffs;
• Review disclosure timelines;
• Explore technology-driven solutions to help resolve the issue of judicial
capacity and disclosure timelines; and
2. A copy of this motion be sent to Attorney General Doug Downey, Ajax MPP
Rob Cerjanec, Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira, the Regional Municipality
of Durham, all lower-tier Durham Region Municipalities, and the Ontario Big
City Mayors.
CARRIED
Page 10
If you require further information please contact me at 365-885-6983 or
Thomas.street@ajax.ca
Sincerely,
Thomas Street
Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
Copy: Mayor S. Collier
Regional Councillor S. Lee
Rob Cerjanec, MPP for Ajax
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira
The Regional Municipality of Durham
All lower-tier Durham Region Municipalities
Ontario Big City Mayors
Page 11
February 4, 2025
The Honourable Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building, Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1
Via Email: premier@ontario.ca
Re: Northern Health Travel Grant Program
Council of the Town of LaSalle, at its Regular Meeting held Tuesday, January 28, 2025,
passed the following resolution:
14/25
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Akpata
Seconded by: Councillor Renaud
Whereas the Northern Health Travel Grant program (the “Program”) offers financial
assistance to Northern Ontario residents who need to travel long distances for
specialized medical services or procedures at a ministry funded health care facility;
And Whereas, the grants for this Program are based on the distance residents must
travel to reach the nearest medical specialist or ministry funded healthcare facility;
And Whereas, residents must travel at least 100 kilometers one-way to access the
nearest medical specialist or ministry-funded healthcare facility for services that are not
available locally to qualify for the grant;
And Whereas, there are many occasions in which residents of Windsor-Essex County
must travel at least 100 kilometers one way to access health care facilities or services
that are not available locally; And Whereas, there are four primary children’s hospitals
across the province, located in London, Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa, and none of
these facilities are within 100 kilometers of Windsor-Essex County;
And Whereas, it has been reported that more than 5,000 times each year pediatric
patients across Windsor-Essex County must drive to London Health Sciences Centre for
treatment at its Children’s Hospital, which places a financial strain on families and care -
givers;
Page 12
Now Therefore, the Town of LaSalle calls upon the Provincial Government and Ministry
of Health to establish a grant system similar to the Northern Health Travel Grant
program in Windsor-Essex County to provide support to the residents of Windsor-Essex
County when they need to travel long distances for specialized medical services or
procedures at ministry funded health care facilities;
And that, this motion be circulated to all municipalities for support, Premier Doug Ford,
MPP Anthony Leardi, MPP Andrew Dowie, Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Ms.
Sylvia Jones and all local municipalities.
Carried.
Please consider this letter as confirmation of the Town of LaSalle’s support of the above
matter.
Yours Truly,
Jennifer Astrologo
Director of Council Services/Clerk
Town of LaSalle
jastrologo@lasalle.ca
Cc: (via email)
MPP Anothony Leardi Anthony.Leardi@pc.ola.org
MPP Andrew Dowie Andrew.Dowie@pc.ola.org
MPP Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones sylvia.jones@pc.ola.org
Association of Municipalities of Ontario resolutions@amo.on.ca
All Ontario Municipalities
Page 13
The Regional Municipality of Halton
The following resolution was approved by Regional Council at its meeting held on
Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Reducing Homelessness and Managing Encampments
WHEREAS the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis continues to grow in
municipalities across Ontario with 3,432 drug related deaths and over 1,400 homeless
encampments across Ontario communities in 2023;
WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), in partnership with the Ontario
Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) and the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers
Association (NOSDA) recently released a ground-breaking report, Municipalities Under
Pressure: The Growing Human and Financial Cost of Ontario’s Homelessness Crisis which
highlights the unprecedented and growing toll of homelessness on individuals, families,
communities, and governments;
WHEREAS the report reflects data and insights from all 47 service managers responsible for
housing and homelessness across Ontario, including Halton Region;
WHEREAS the report found that more than 80,000 Ontarians were known to be homeless in
2024, a number that has grown by more than 25% since 2022, and municipal spending on
housing and homelessness programs has grown to more than $2.1 billion;
WHEREAS in 2024 Halton Region invested $69 million dollars into housing and homelessness
solutions, 63% of which was funded directly by municipal taxpayers;
WHEREAS the report concludes that an additional investment of $11 billion over 10 years is
needed to end chronic homelessness in Ontario and $2 billion over 8 years is needed to ensure
all encampment residents are appropriately housed;
WHEREAS in its 2024 Budget, the Federal Government announced funding of $250 million to
address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness with the intention of a
fifty-fifty cost sharing agreement with provincial governments;
WHEREAS discussions between the Federal and Provincial Governments have not led to
meaningful progress on a cost-shared funding agreement to date;
WHEREAS the Federal Government will work directly with municipalities if necessary, but
without the involvement of the Provincial Government, Ontario municipalities will receive only
half of the potential funding available, while the additional costs to respond to this crisis continue
to be borne by municipal taxpayers;
A B S
Q
L I
Page 14
Reducing Homelessness and Managing Encampments Page 2
WHEREAS in December 2024, the Provincial Government announced an investment of $75.5
million in funding for municipalities for programs that provide long-term stable housing and
temporary accommodations for those living in encampments which is welcomed but insufficient
to address the growing need;
WHEREAS a collaborative approach across all levels of government is urgently required to
provide municipalities with long-term sustainable funding to respond to the growing need for
housing and homelessness solutions including mental health and addictions.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT Halton Regional Council supports the findings and recommendations of the AMO /
OMSSA / NOSDA homelessness report, and joins these organizations in urging the Provincial
and Federal Governments to take significant, long-term action on affordable housing, mental
health and addictions services and income supports to address homelessness and improve the
economic foundations and quality of life in communities;
THAT Halton Region continue to maximize all provincial and federal housing and homelessness
funding opportunities as appropriate;
THAT the Regional Chair write a letter to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing encouraging the Province to re-engage with the Federal Government to
ensure that Ontario municipalities have access to fully funded support for encampments and
unsheltered homelessness initiatives;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Prime Minister of Canada, the federal
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health,
the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, the Associate Minister of Mental
Health and Addictions, Halton’s MPs and MPPs, Halton’s Local Municipalities, all municipalities
across Ontario with a population of 100,000 or more, Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM),
Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
(AMO), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Page 15
Council Meeting
Motion #05/14/2025 - 14
Title:Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act
Date:Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Moved by:Jennifer Prenger
Seconded by:Beth Blackwell
Whereas the Ontario government has fast-tracked Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy
Act, 2025 (Bill 5), such that it was referred to the Standing Committee on the Interior on May 6, 2025,
after being first read on April 17, 2025, and
Whereas the written submission deadline for participation on Bill 5 is May 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM (EDT),
and
Whereas Bill 5 would enact the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025; amend/repeal the Endangered
Species Act, 2007 and replace it by enacting the Species Conservation Act, 2025; and amend various
Acts including the Ontario Heritage Act, the Mining Act, the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, and the
Electricity Act, 1998 and to revoke various regulations in relation to development and procurement, and
Whereas Bill 5 will allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council to create zones anywhere in Ontario
where municipal and provincial laws will not apply, and where projects or proponents can be exempted
from requirements under provisions of an Act or of a regulation, including environmental and heritage
laws, and
Whereas the provisions of Bill 5 as written include anti-democratic principles and risks undermining
civil liberties, Indigenous rights, the environment and local government oversight, and
Whereas the Municipality of Kincardine believes that the provincial priorities of housing, resource
development and economic development can be achieved without subverting existing laws,
undermining municipal authority, threatening the environment, restricting industry growth, or
undermining informed consent with Indigenous communities; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Kincardine hereby opposes Bill 5; and
That Council formally express its opposition to Bill 5 in favour of preserving democracy, transparency,
accountability, the environment, civil liberties, and Indigenous rights; and
That Council encourage the province to prioritize democratic principles and governance systems that
support responsible development, environmental preservation, and acknowledge our responsibility to
future generations; and
That Council formally request that the Ontario government reject Bill 5; and
Page 16
That a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, ; the
Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines; MPP Lisa Thompson; all Ontario
municipalities; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; and the Standing Committee on the Interior.
Carried.
______________________________________
Clerk
Jennifer Lawrie
Page 17
UNITED AGAINST HATE CANADA
May 20, 2025
A MESSAGE FROM MARVIN ROTRAND, DIRECTOR GENERAL
UNITED AGAINST HATE CANADA
UPDATE - LEGISLATION TO CONTROL HATEFUL RALLIES AT RELIGIOUS
INSTITUTIONS AND FAITH BASED SCHOOLS
Dear Mayor and Councillor,
We have for the past year advocated for municipal bylaws that set some rules around
protests that too often turn hateful. We have opposed rallies that target religious
institutions and faith-based schools and have never seen those as a legitimate way
to protest the political situation in other countries.
We have stood with the Jewish, Sikh and Hindu communities that have been targeted
and supported their demands that there be some rules to stop on-going harassment and
intimidation.
With no clarity in the criminal code and with some police departments only intervening
when the situation moved beyond the blocking of access and egress from religious
buildings and schools to actual violence, several municipalities have adopted such
bylaws including Oakville, Ontario last week
During the recent election campaign, Mark Carney promised that if elected,
his government would amend the criminal code in his release of April 10, the Liberal
Party of Canada indicated they would:
• Fight the horrifying rise in hate and protect our communities, including
by increasing funding to the Canada Community Security Program and
introducing legislation to make it a criminal offence to intentionally and willfully
obstruct access to any place of worship, schools, and community centres; and
a criminal offence to willfully intimidate or threaten those attending services at
these locations; and,
We see an effective and clear federal law as preferable to a hodgepodge of municipal
bylaws.
…/2
Page 18
2
While we support what communities such as Vaughan, Brampton and Côte Saint-Luc
have done, such bylaws are only important when the Government of Canada
does not act.
A few days ago, Sean Fraser was named as Canada's new Justice Minister. Our letter
to him was sent on May 15. We believe that the promised change in the criminal code
offers targeted minorities protection while respecting free speech and gives clarity
to municipalities and law enforcement.
Please have a look at our letter to Minister Fraser and if you agree, please urge the
Government of Canada to legislate.
Coincidentally on the day we wrote to the Minister, Toronto's City Manager responded
to a Council mandate from January and tabled a draft bylaw creating "bubble zones"
on a temporary basis. These would only apply if adopted by City Council.
The proposed Toronto bylaw appears to us as largely ineffective. We will be urging
Mayor Chow to support Mr. Carney's position, and we think a large consensus among
municipal elected officials can be aid the Government to quickly table legislation
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/toronto-shares-long-awaited-details-of-
proposed-bubble-zone-bylaw-aimed-at-limiting-protests-near/article_3f936f7a-
8c56-4a5e-84be-a623384d3c85.html
Toronto shares long-awaited details of proposed
‘bubble zone’ bylaw aimed at limiting protests near
places of worship
www.thestar.com
Thank you for your interest.
Canada has witnessed too many hateful incidents targeting religious minorities and
faith-based schools. It's time to find a solution.
Best regards,
Marvin Rotrand
Director General
United Against Hate Canada
Page 19
UNIS CONTRE LA HAINE CANADA
Le 20 mai 2025
UN MESSAGE DE MARVIN ROTRAND, DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL
UNIS CONTRE HAINE CANADA
MISE À JOUR - LÉGISLATION VISANT À CONTRÔLER LES RASSEMBLEMENTS
HAINEUX DANS LES INSTITUTIONS RELIGIEUSES
ET LES ÉCOLES CONFESSIONNELLES
Monsieur le Maire et Mesdames et Messieurs les Conseillers,
Au cours de la dernière année, nous avons plaidé en faveur de l'adoption d'arrêtés
municipaux établissant certaines règles concernant les manifestations qui, trop souvent,
tournent à la haine. Nous nous sommes opposés aux rassemblements qui ciblent
les institutions religieuses et les écoles confessionnelles et nous n'avons jamais
considéré qu'il s'agissait d'un moyen légitime de protester contre la situation politique
dans d'autres pays.
Nous avons soutenu les communautés juives, sikhes et hindoues qui ont été prises pour
cible et nous avons appuyé leur demande d'adoption de règles pour mettre fin
au harcèlement et à l'intimidation en cours.
Le code pénal n'étant pas clair et certains services de police n'intervenant que lorsque
la situation est passée du blocage de l'accès et de la sortie des bâtiments religieux
et des écoles à la violence réelle, plusieurs municipalités ont adopté de tels règlements,
notamment Oakville, en Ontario, la semaine dernière.
Au cours de la récente campagne électorale, Mark Carney a promis que, s'il était élu,
son gouvernement modifierait le code pénal. Dans son communiqué du 10 avril,
le Parti libéral du Canada a indiqué qu'il le ferait :
• Lutter contre l'horrible montée de la haine et protéger nos communautés,
notamment en augmentant le financement du Programme canadien de sécurité
communautaire et en introduisant une législation qui criminalise le fait d'entraver
intentionnellement et délibérément l'accès à un lieu de culte, à une école
ou à un centre communautaire, ainsi que le fait d'intimider ou de menacer
délibérément les personnes qui assistent à des offices dans ces lieux,
Nous considérons qu'une loi fédérale claire et efficace est préférable à un fatras de
règlements municipaux.
…/2
Page 20
2
Bien que nous soutenions ce que des communautés telles que Vaughan, Brampton
et Côte Saint-Luc ont fait, de tels règlements ne sont importants que lorsque
le gouvernement du Canada n'agit pas.
Il y a quelques jours, Sean Fraser a été nommé ministre de la Justice du Canada.
La lettre que nous lui avons adressée a été envoyée le 15 mai. Nous pensons que
le changement promis dans le code pénal offre une protection aux minorités ciblées tout
en respectant la liberté d'expression et en donnant de la clarté aux municipalités
et aux forces de l'ordre.
Nous vous invitons à lire notre lettre au ministre Fraser et, si vous êtes d'accord,
à exhorter le gouvernement du Canada à légiférer.
Comme par hasard, le jour où nous avons écrit au ministre, le directeur général
de la ville de Toronto a répondu à un mandat du conseil municipal datant de janvier
et a présenté un projet de règlement créant des « zones à bulles » sur une base
temporaire. Ces zones ne s'appliqueront que si elles sont adoptées par le conseil
municipal.
La proposition de règlement de Toronto nous semble en grande partie inefficace.
Nous demanderons instamment au maire Chow de soutenir la position de M. Carney,
et nous pensons qu'un large consensus parmi les élus municipaux peut aider
le gouvernement à déposer rapidement un projet de loi.
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/toronto-shares-long-awaited-details-of-proposed-
bubble-zone-bylaw-aimed-at-limiting-protests-near/article_3f936f7a-8c56-4a5e-84be-
a623384d3c85.html
Toronto partage les détails tant attendus du projet de
règlement sur les « zones bulles » visant à limiter les
manifestations à proximité des lieux de culte
www.thestar.com
Nous vous remercions de votre intérêt.
Le Canada a été témoin de trop d'incidents haineux visant les minorités religieuses et
les écoles confessionnelles. Il est temps de trouver une solution.
Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.
Marvin Rotrand
Directeur général
Unis contre la haine Canada
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UNITED AGAINST HATE CANADA
BY EMAIL AND MAIL
May 15, 2025
The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Government of Canada
House of Common
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Re: Adoption of “Bubble Legislation” by Making it a Criminal Offence to Obstruct
Access to Places of Worship and Faith Based Schools
Dear Minister Fraser,
Our organization congratulates you on your nomination yesterday as Canada’s Minister
of Justice. We wish you success in the new term of Parliament.
We seek clarification on an important promise made on behalf of the Liberal Party during
the recent election campaign by Prime Minister Carney. Specifically, the Prime Minister
announced that if his government was re-elected it would …
“Fight the horrifying rise in hate and protect our communities, including by
increasing funding to the Canada Community Security Program and
introducing legislation to make it a criminal offence to intentionally and willfully
obstruct access to any place of worship, schools, and community centres; and
a criminal offence to willfully intimidate or threaten those attending services at
these locations;”
We welcome this promise and seek clarity as to how exactly the Government will translate
this intention into law and on what timeline. The idea of such legislation was discussed
at the March 6, 2025, National Forum to Combat Antisemitism. It was a demand that
flowed from several of the regional forums that provided input to the national forum.
Over the past year, a new strategy to foment hate in Canada has been the targeting
of religious institutions and faith-based schools. Protesters chanting hateful slogans have
on numerous occasions blocked access and egress to such institutions with the aim
of disrupting worship, social activities and teaching. Most frequently targeted have been
synagogues and Jewish private schools but there have also been many cases of
protesters at Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples.
There have been some arrests, but police response has been tentative, despite many
cases of reported overt hate that likely contravened the criminal code. The rules governing
protests are for many police departments, simply not clear enough.
…/2
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That has caused municipalities to consider a new type of legislation which would create
a “bubble” or safe zone around such institutions. This would prevent protesters from
coming within a certain distance of the institutions while preserving their right to protest.
Clearly an amendment to the criminal code providing clear and national guidance
laying out how such bubble zones can provide protection to vulnerable minorities
while respecting the Charter of Rights is preferable to disparate municipal bylaws.
Mayor Steven Del Duca brought such a bylaw to Vaughan City Council in June 2024
making it the first municipality to adopt such a municipal initiative. Entitled “The Protecting
Vulnerable Social Infrastructure Bylaw”, Vaughn Council's text states:
“Organizing or participating in a nuisance demonstration within 100 metres of
the property line of any vulnerable social infrastructure (such as a place of
worship, school, childcare centre, hospital or congregate care facility) is
prohibited in Vaughan.”
The by-law is not intended to prohibit peaceful gatherings, protests or
demonstrations, including any such activities that occur as part of a labour
union strike. The by-law is intended to protect everyone in Vaughan – all while
balancing the fundamental importance of freedom of expression and freedom
of assembly, with the safety and well-being of community members accessing
vulnerable social infrastructure.
Vaughan’s bylaw may be read here:
https://www.vaughan.ca/residential/by-laws-and-enforcement/protecting-vulnerable-
social-infrastructure-by-law
Vaughan’s example was followed by the City of Brampton. Together, these two major
communities north of Toronto are home to a combined population of over 1.1. million
persons. Brampton adopted its own “bubble zone bylaw” in November 2024. It too aimed
at preventing nuisance demonstrations outside places of worship and was provoked by
clashes at gurdwaras and temples within the municipality.
Last December 18, Toronto City Council took a very important step toward preventing
hateful rallies that target minority groups. The Council adopted a thoughtful document
entitled Policy Framework - City Response to Demonstrations and mandated the City
Manager to initiate consultations that will lead, in the words of the motion, to a:
...."by-law, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable institutions such as
places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions, that supports
the City's commitment to keeping Torontonians safe from hate and protects
Charter rights that address impacts of demonstrations that target people based
on their identity."
To the best of our knowledge, there are at the moment only a handful of such bylaws
across the country with about a dozen municipalities responding to us that they are
considering doing the same.
…/3
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Canada's current anti-hate laws are cumbersome and not always effective. Legislation
such as bubble zone bylaws can immediately help prevent the worst cases of intimidation
of religious minorities. We had anticipated such a motion would be at Toronto Counc il in
June.
However, the Prime Minister's promise opens up a far more effective pathway to target
hateful protests and we urge that the Government consider fast tracking this solution.
Canada already has a form of “bubble legislation” in place as there are laws outlawing
protests at clinics. Several provinces have long had laws protecting the space around
abortion clinics. Ontario passed its own abortion clinic bubble zone law in 2017, t o prevent
harassment outside abortion clinics, hospitals, doctors’ homes and offices. That law bars
protesters from standing within 50 metres from the clinics while distributing pro -life
pamphlets, harassing patients, or carrying graphic posters. British Columbia has had
similar rules for decades.
Courts have ruled these laws are constitutional. Moreover, during the pandemic, provinces
expanded the no protest zones by including hospitals and even schools to prevent anti -
vaccine protesters from harassing health care workers.
United Against Hate Canada endorses the remarks of Michelle Stock, Vice President,
Ontario, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, who made the following statement in a news
release issued last December 19 in regard to the Toronto Council debate the day bef ore:
These remarks are as pertinent in most Canadian cities as in Toronto.
“For more than a year, demonstrations marked by antisemitic chants, hateful
signs, and physically intimidating behaviour have targeted synagogues,
schools, and community centres in Toronto and the GTA. By setting up their
protests near these specific institutions, protesters are preventing seniors from
attending synagogue. They are yelling vile words at children trying to learn
math or English and harassing those accessing services for developmental
disabilities. Their actions are intended to intimidate the Jewish community,
leaving many fearful of gathering and going about daily life. No child should
have to experience this. No reasonable person can argue that a school is an
appropriate venue for such demonstrations.”
We believe there is an overwhelming public consensus in support of such an amendment
to the criminal code. Such a change to the criminal code would afford protection for all
religious minorities. We believe you will find that organizations representing different
religious minorities will ally to support this change to the law.
Yours truly,
Marvin Rotrand
Director General
United Against Hate Canada
marvinrotrand2@hotmail.com
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UNIS CONTRE LA HAINE CANADA
PAR COURRIEL ET PAR LA POSTE
Montréal, le 15 mai 2025
L’Honorable Sean Fraser
Ministre de la Justice et Procureur général
Gouvernement du Canada
Chambre des communes
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Objet : Adoption d'une « législation bulle » érigeant en infraction pénale le fait
d'entraver l'accès aux lieux de culte et aux écoles confessionnelles
Monsieur le Ministre,
Notre organisation vous félicite pour votre nomination hier au poste de ministre de la
Justice du Canada. Nous vous souhaitons beaucoup de succès au cours de la nouvelle
législature.
Nous souhaitons obtenir des éclaircissements sur une promesse importante faite au nom
du Parti libéral lors de la récente campagne électorale par le Premier ministre Carney.
Plus précisément, le Premier ministre a annoncé que si son gouvernement était réél u,
il s’engageait à …
« Lutter contre l'horrible montée de la haine et protéger nos communautés,
notamment en augmentant le financement du Programme canadien de
sécurité communautaire et en introduisant une législation qui rendrait criminel
le fait d'entraver intentionnellement et délibérément l'accès à un lieu de culte,
à une école ou à un centre communautaire, et criminel le fait d'intimider ou de
menacer délibérément les personnes qui assistent à des services dans ces
lieux ; »
Nous nous félicitons de cette promesse et nous demandons des éclaircissements sur la
manière exacte dont le gouvernement traduira cette intention en loi et sur le calendrier.
L'idée d'une telle législation a été discutée lors du Forum national de lutte contre
l'antisémitisme du 6 mars 2025. Il s'agit d'une demande émanant de plusieurs forums
régionaux qui ont contribué au forum national.
…/2
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Au cours de la dernière année, les institutions religieuses et les écoles confessionnelles
ont fait l'objet d'une nouvelle stratégie de fomentation de la haine au Canada.
Des manifestants scandant des slogans haineux ont, à de nombreuses reprises, bloqué
l'accès et la sortie de ces institutions dans le but de perturber le culte, les activités sociales
et l'enseignement. Les synagogues et les écoles privées juives ont été les pl us souvent
visées, mais il y a également eu de nombreux cas de protestations dans des gurdwaras
sikhs et des temples hindous.
Il y a eu quelques arrestations, mais la réaction de la police a été hésitante, malgré de
nombreux cas de haine manifeste signalés qui contrevenaient probablement au code
pénal. Pour de nombreux services de police, les règles régissant les manifestations n e
sont tout simplement pas assez claires.
Cela a amené les municipalités à envisager un nouveau type de législation qui créerait
une « bulle » ou une zone de sécurité autour de ces institutions. Cela empêcherait les
manifestants de s'approcher à une certaine distance des institutions tout en prése rvant
leur droit de manifester.
Il est évident qu'une modification du code pénal fournissant des orientations claires et
nationales sur la manière dont ces zones de sécurité peuvent assurer la protection des
minorités vulnérables tout en respectant la Charte des droits est préférable à des
règlements municipaux disparates.
Le maire Steven Del Duca a présenté un tel règlement au conseil municipal de Vaughan
en juin 2024, faisant de la ville la première municipalité à adopter une telle initiative
municipale. Intitulé « Règlement sur la protection des infrastructures sociales
vulnérables » (The Protecting Vulnerable Social Infrastructure Bylaw), le texte du conseil
municipal de Vaughan stipule ce qui suit :
« Organiser ou participer à une manifestation nuisible à moins de 100 mètres
de la limite de propriété de toute infrastructure sociale vulnérable (comme un
lieu de culte, une école, une garderie, un hôpital ou un établissement de soins
collectifs) est interdit à Vaughan ».
Le règlement ne vise pas à interdire les rassemblements pacifiques, les
protestations ou les manifestations, y compris les activités de ce type qui se
déroulent dans le cadre d'une grève syndicale. Le règlement vise à protéger
tous les habitants de Vaughan, tout en conciliant l'importance fondamentale
de la liberté d'expression et de la liberté de réunion avec la sécurité et le bien -
être des membres de la communauté qui ont accès à des infrastructures
sociales vulnérables.
Le règlement de Vaughan peut être consulté ici :
https://www.vaughan.ca/residential/by-laws-and-enforcement/protecting-vulnerable-
social-infrastructure-by-law
…/3
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L'exemple de Vaughan a été suivi par la ville de Brampton. Ensemble, ces deux grandes
communautés situées au nord de Toronto comptent une population combinée de plus de
1,1 million de personnes. Brampton a adopté son propre « règlements de la zone bulle »
(Bubble zone bylaw) en novembre 2024. Il vise lui aussi à empêcher les manifestations
gênantes à l'extérieur des lieux de culte et a été provoqué par des affrontements dans les
gurdwaras et les temples de la municipalité.
Le 18 décembre dernier, le conseil municipal de Toronto a pris une mesure très importante
pour empêcher les rassemblements haineux qui visent les groupes minoritaires.
Le conseil a adopté un document judicieux intitulé « Cadre politique - Réponse de la ville
aux manifestations » (« Policy Framework - City Response to Demonstrations »)
et a chargé le directeur général de la ville d'entamer des consultations qui aboutiront,
selon les termes de la motion :
« … en mettant l'accent sur la protection des institutions vulnérables telles que
les lieux de culte, les écoles confessionnelles et les institutions culturelles, qui
soutient l'engagement de la ville à protéger les Torontois contre la haine et
protège les droits garantis par la Charte qui traitent de l'impact des
manifestations qui ciblent les personnes sur la base de leur identité. »
À notre connaissance, il n'existe pour l'instant qu'une poignée de règlements de ce type
dans tout le pays, et une douzaine de municipalités nous ont répondu qu'elles
envisageaient de faire de même.
Les lois canadiennes actuelles contre la haine sont lourdes et pas toujours efficaces. Une
législation telle que les règlements sur les zones à bulles peut immédiatement aider à
prévenir les pires cas d'intimidation des minorités religieuses. Nous avions prévu qu'une
telle motion serait présentée au conseil municipal de Toronto en juin.
Cependant, la promesse du Premier ministre ouvre une voie bien plus efficace pour cibler
les manifestations haineuses et nous demandons instamment au gouvernement
d'envisager d'accélérer la mise en œuvre de cette solution.
Le Canada dispose déjà d'une forme de « législation bulle » puisqu'il existe des lois
interdisant les manifestations devant les cliniques. Plusieurs provinces disposent depuis
longtemps de lois protégeant l'espace autour des cliniques d'avortement. L'Ontar io
a adopté sa propre loi sur les zones à bulles des cliniques d'avortement en 2017, afin de
prévenir le harcèlement à l'extérieur des cliniques d'avortement, des hôpitaux,
des domiciles et des bureaux des médecins. Cette loi interdit aux manifestants de se tenir
à moins de 50 mètres des cliniques tout en distribuant des brochures pro-vie, en harcelant
les patients ou en portant des affiches graphiques. La Colombie-Britannique applique des
règles similaires depuis des décennies.
Les tribunaux ont jugé ces lois constitutionnelles. En outre, pendant la pandémie,
les provinces ont élargi les zones d'interdiction de manifester en y incluant les hôpitaux et
même les écoles afin d'empêcher les manifestants anti-vaccins de harceler les travailleurs
de la santé.
…/4
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Unis contre la haine Canada approuve les remarques de Michelle Stock, vice-présidente
pour l'Ontario du Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA ) (Centre for
Israel and Jewish Affairs), qui a fait la déclaration suivante dans un communiqué de
presse publié le 19 décembre dernier à propos du débat du Conseil de Toronto qui s'est
tenu la veille :
Ces remarques sont aussi pertinentes dans la plupart des villes canadiennes
qu'à Toronto.
« Depuis plus d'un an, des manifestations marquées par des chants
antisémites, des pancartes haineuses et un comportement physiquement
intimidant ciblent des synagogues, des écoles et des centres communautaires
à Toronto et dans la région du Grand Toronto. En organisant leurs
manifestations à proximité de ces institutions, les manifestants empêchent les
personnes âgées de se rendre à la synagogue. Ils crient des mots ignobles
aux enfants qui essaient d'apprendre les mathématiques ou l'anglais
et harcèlent ceux qui ont accès à des services pour les personnes souffrant
de troubles du développement. Leurs actions ont pour but d'intimider
la communauté juive, de sorte que de nombreuses personnes craignent
de se réunir et de vaquer à leurs occupations quotidiennes. Aucun enfant
ne devrait avoir à vivre cela. Aucune personne raisonnable ne peut soutenir
qu'une école est un lieu approprié pour de telles manifestations ».
Nous pensons qu'il existe un consensus public écrasant en faveur d'une telle modification
du code pénal. Une telle modification du code pénal offrirait une protection à toutes les
minorités religieuses. Nous pensons que vous constaterez que les organisatio ns
représentant les différentes minorités religieuses s'allieront pour soutenir cette
modification de la loi.
Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le Ministre, l'expression de mes salutations
distinguées.
Marvin Rotrand
Directeur général
Unis contre la haine Canada
marvinrotrand2@hotmail.com
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You don't often get email from sanjin@startmail.com. Learn why this is important
From:Chambers, Michelle
To:Chambers, Michelle
Subject:Pass a new resolution against Bill 5
Date:May 22, 2025 3:37:11 PM
From: Sanjin Zeco <>
Sent: May 20, 2025 4:08 PM
To: ClerksExternalEmail <clerks@clarington.net>
Subject: Pass a new resolution against Bill 5
EXTERNAL
I'm asking you to please pass a resolution for the following:
Motion: Responsible
Growth and Opposition to Elements of Bill 5
Whereas the Government of Ontario has introduced Bill 5: Protecting Ontario by Unleashing
Our Economy Act, 2025, which proposes substantial changes to environmental planning
policies, including replacing the Endangered Species Act with a new framework that reduces
protections for at-risk species, and enabling the creation of Special Economic Zones that
may override local planning authority and environmental oversight;
And whereas the Municipality of Clarington supports increasing housing supply and
economic growth, but believes this must be done in a way that upholds environmental
responsibility and maintains the integrity of local planning processes;
And whereas Bill 5, as proposed, weakens safeguards for natural heritage systems,
threatening biodiversity, and diminishing the authority of municipalities to manage growth in
accordance with local needs and official plans;
And whereas the Canadian Environmental Law Association submits that all of the Bill 5
schedules, with minor exceptions, should be withdrawn and not further considered by the
Legislative Assembly of Ontario until they are substantially modified to ensure robust
protection for the environment, human health, and vulnerable members of the Ontario public,
including Indigenous peoples, who may otherwise be harmed by the amendments contained in
the various schedules;
And whereas the Canadian Civil Liberties finds that Schedule 9, in allowing the Minister of
Economic Development to exempt “trusted proponents” from compliance with municipal and
provincial law within the special economic zones, promotes abandonment of the rule of law
subjecting Ontario’s lands and peoples to the possibility of arbitrary and non-transparent
Page 38
decision-making and effectively nullifying decades of legacy law-making in those zones;
And whereas Amnesty International Canada urges the Government of Ontario to:
1) immediately halt or withdraw Bill 5;
2) Recommit to upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples as affirmed in Canadian law
through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples Act; and
3) Engage in transparent inclusive consultations with Indigenous Nations and civil society
before tabling new development legislation.
Therefore, be it resolved that Council for the Municipality of Clarington:
1. Opposes all provisions in Bill 5 that reduce environmental protections and
Ontario’s proud legacy of protections of Endangered Species, that override the rule of
law and that nullify municipal planning authority;
2. Urges the Province of Ontario to support housing and infrastructure development
in ways that align with sound environmental planning and wildlife protection and
empower municipalities with appropriate planning tools;
3. Directs that a copy of this resolution be sent to:
· The Honorable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines;
· The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing;
· The Honourable Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of the Environment,
Conservation and Parks;
· The Honorable Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and
Multiculturalism
· The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario;
· The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO);
· All Ontario municipalities.
Regards,
Sanjin Zeco
Resident
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