The City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, Article XII allows for the establishment of access areas around select social infrastructure. Social infrastructure is defined as childcare centres, elementary, middle or high schools, and places of worship.
The goal is to ensure that people can safely and freely access these important community services without interference or intimidation.
An Access Area is an area of 50 metres from the boundaries of a social infrastructure (defined as childcare centre, elementary, middle or high schools, and places of worship) that prohibits specific behaviours on City property which prevents access to the community services offered at these locations.
An owner/operator of social infrastructure may submit a request for the establishment of an Access Area through the online form, available below. Once granted and established by the City, the Access Area covers any City property that is within 50 metres from the boundaries of the property on which the social infrastructure is located. The Access Area is valid for one year and applies when the location is in operation, starting one hour before opening and ending one hour after closing.
Within the Access Area, people are not allowed to discourage or engage in prohibited activities that prevent individuals from safely entering or using the services of the social infrastructure.
An Access Area does not ban peaceful protests or demonstrations and only applies when the social infrastructure is in use.
Signage to indicate an Access Area has been established will be posted by owners or operators as directed by the City. Owners may be required to post signage in a manner and location(s) satisfactory to the City.
An area established by the General Manager, Transportation Services, City of Toronto, under § 743-56A and covers any City property that is within 50 metres from the boundaries of the property on which the social infrastructure is located.
A childcare centre, elementary, middle or high school, or a place of worship.
A person who owns or controls the entity operating out of or managing the social infrastructure.
The registered owner of the property where the social infrastructure is located and includes an operator.
Note: Some City-owned, leased or controlled property, such as certain public squares, may be excluded from an Access Area.
To request consideration for an Access Area, complete the online form and attestation. You must be the owner or operator of the social infrastructure to complete the submission.
Once your request is submitted you will receive an e-mail confirmation of receipt. Once your request has been reviewed by City staff, you will be contacted directly.
Where a request meets the requirements of Chapter 743, City staff will establish the Access Area by notifying the requester and posting notice on the City’s website. Notice of all active Access Areas on the City’s website will include the address of the social infrastructure, a description of the area covered by the Access Area, and the one-year term that the Access Area is in effect.
Owners will be required to post signage in a manner and location(s) satisfactory to the City.
Currently there are no established Access Areas but they will be posted here once established.
Once an Access Area is established, it will be in effect for a one-year term beginning on and including the date the City publishes notice of the Access Area on its website. Where an Access Area is in effect, certain activities are prohibited in the Access Area during certain times.
The times during which the activities listed in Chapter 743 are prohibited in an Access Area are:
Note: Under Chapter 743, “Operating Hours” is defined as the hours posted by the owner for when the social infrastructure is open or used for public access.
The following activities are prohibited in an Access Area during the times described above:
Transportation Standards Officers, supported by the Toronto Police Service when needed, are responsible for enforcing the bylaw using an education-first and progressive enforcement approach. Toronto Police will address any conduct that violates the Criminal Code and will continue to support the City in ensuring safe, respectful access to public spaces. Their shared focus remains on public safety and the peaceful exercise of Charter-protected rights.
Owners and operators are responsible for compliance with all fire safety regulations under the Ontario Fire Code as it pertains to emergency access and any other applicable sections. This may include but is not limited to the following sections.
1.2.1.1. – Owner’s responsibility
Section 2.5 Fire Department Access to Buildings
Section 2.8 Emergency Planning
Section 6.6 Water Supplies for Fire Protection
Adherence to these regulations is essential to ensure safe and effective access to the facility. Owners and operators should endeavor to ensure the necessary safety measures will be implemented and maintained in accordance with applicable laws and standards at all times. Non-compliance may result in charges under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
In situations involving an immediate threat to life or public safety where emergency access is necessary, Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Paramedic Services have the right to request police assistance and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable Provincial Legislation and Standards to carry out their duties.
Owners and operators with concerns that their facility is inaccessible due to activity should be directed to 311 or call non-emergency 416-808-2222.
In December 2024, City Council directed the City Manager in consultation with the City Solicitor, applicable City divisions, the Toronto Police Service and other applicable stakeholders, to report to City Council with a proposed bylaw, 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 public and community safety.
On May 21 and 22, 2025 Toronto City Council amended City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, by adding a new Article XII – Access to Social Infrastructure.
Agenda Item CC30.5 – Proposed By-law Amendment to Provide Access to Social Infrastructure