Bill 16: Sacred Spaces, Safe Places Act, 2025

This bill primarily affects organizations and individuals who operate near religious institutions in Ontario — such as protest groups, advocacy organizations, or businesses whose activities could be interpreted as dissuading access to a nearby place of worship. Any business located within 150 metres of a church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or cemetery needs to be aware that certain communication or conduct directed at people accessing those institutions could result in fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment. This could also affect property managers, event organizers, or commercial operators adjacent to religious sites who might engage in activities perceived as interfering with access. Business size is less relevant than proximity to a religious institution; even a solo operator conducting outreach, canvassing, or demonstrations near such a site could be impacted.