South Etobicoke places of worship, faith-based schools and other vulnerable centres have been the scene of many hate-filled demonstrations of late.

Now safety zones to curb hate may soon be in place to protect residents of the many anti-Arab or anti-Jewish demonstrations taking place.

The City is requesting the provincial government create safety zones around places of worship, faith-based school and vulnerable community social infrastructure.

A motion by Councillor James Pasternak is calling for City Council to request the Attorney General of Ontario to introduce legislation to permit peaceful protests or demonstrations while creating safety zones at facilities, including daycares, community centres and museums.

Pasternak said since October last year there has been an increase in protests and demonstrations in Toronto.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said there was a 93 per cent increase in hate crimes since last October 7; and 56 per cent of the incidents have been anti-Semitic and target the Jewish population.

Demkiw said there has also been increases in anti-LGBTQ hate, anti-Black, anti-Arab, Muslim and Palestinian hate.

“To date no such safety zones have been created,” Pasternak wrote. “Instead, demonstrations continue to occur close to and target such facilities, creating fear and distress for many Torontonians.”

Council said the safety zones should within a radius of 50 to 150 metres from the affected churches, faith-based schools, day cares and other agencies.

Police have stepped up patrols at some of the centres that attract protestors.

The motion states that all City residents have a right to safely gather and peacefully co-exist.

“All Torontonians have an opportunity to voice their opinion,” the motion said. “This must not extend to disturbing protests that target vulnerable locations.”

Mayor Olivia Chow last October passed a ‘Keeping Toronto Safe from home’ for the creation of community safety zones.