City of Ottawa helps you peacefully exercise your Charter rights

The City of Ottawa has a new notification process available for anyone wanting to hold a protest, demonstration or march in the city.

Feature Story

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa sees many protests, marches and demonstrations. Under The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, everyone is guaranteed the right to freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, subject only to reasonable limits prescribed by law.

If you are organizing a protest, march or demonstration, you should consider filling out a new and improved notification form on ottawa.ca. The new and simplified notification form replaces the special event application when holding a demonstration or similar event on City property. The new process was approved by members of Council in conjunction with the review of special events by-laws that govern these types of activities. While notifying the City of planned marches or demonstrations is voluntary, providing us with advance notice helps you to:

• Receive guidance to ensure things run smoothly (routes, traffic impacts, etc.)
• Receive coordinated support services like road closures and signage 
• Avoid conflicts between overlapping events or demonstrations 
• Ensure enhanced public safety and mobility
• Understand potential by-law impacts

Finally, consider working with the Ottawa Police Service who will help you ensure a safe environment for your demonstration and make sure you don’t go beyond what is permitted under the Charter. Visit Ottawapolice.ca to learn more about how to gather to peacefully assert your rights.

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