Rallies and Demonstrations on City of Greater Sudbury Property
The City of Greater Sudbury values and upholds the right to free expression as an essential part of a democratic society. We recognize the importance of public demonstrations and rallies as vital opportunities for individuals and groups to express their opinions, advocate for change and raise awareness about important issues.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees certain rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly. Section w of the Charter states: Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
- freedom of conscience and religion;
- freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
- freedom of peaceful assembly; and
- freedom of association.
These guidelines specifically apply to demonstrations and rallies conducted on City of Greater Sudbury property, including Tom Davies Square, public parks, streets and other municipal spaces. We encourage all demonstrations and rallies to be conducted safely, respectfully and in alignment with the City’s policies. We aim to strike a balance between protecting the rights of demonstrators and minimizing the impact on the broader community. Event organizers are encouraged to adhere to the guidelines below to ensure a positive, safe and orderly environment for public expression.
While formal approval is not required to organize a demonstration or rally, notifying the City in advance and following these guidelines will help contribute to the event’s success.
Guidelines for Organizing a Demonstration or Rally:
- Peaceful Conduct
Demonstrations and rallies should be conducted peacefully, with a focus on non-violence, respect and cooperation. Organizers and participants are encouraged to prioritize these principles to ensure the event remains constructive and lawful. Disruptive or unlawful actions will not be tolerated. A peaceful protest is a powerful way for people to express their opinions and advocate for change. - Compliance with City Policies and Laws
Participants should follow all applicable City policies, by-laws and regulations. We encourage event organizers to be aware of their responsibilities under the law, ensuring that their event respects both public safety, other community activities and the rights of all individuals. Additionally, organizers should address any logistical concerns with event coordinators to ensure smooth execution and compliance with relevant regulations. Please note that vehicle access is limited to lightly loaded cars, pick up trucks, and vans due to weight restrictions. - Notification Requirement
We ask that organizers notify the City at least 48 hours in advance by sending an email to events@greatersudbury.ca. This notification should include:- Date, time and location of the event
- Expected number of participants
- Purpose of the demonstration or rally
- Contact information for the event organizer
- Respect for Other Community Activities
Demonstrations and rallies should, as much as possible, avoid disrupting other scheduled events or activities. In cases where conflicts arise, the City will work with event organizers to find a solution that respects the rights of all involved, ensuring the demonstration does not unduly affect other community events. - Security and Safety
If a large turnout is expected or if special security measures may be required, we encourage organizers to inform the City. The Special Events Advisory Team and Corporate Security will assess the event and may implement additional safety measures to maintain order. This proactive approach helps ensure a safe environment for all participants. - Designated Areas
To minimize disruptions to City operations, certain areas may be designated for demonstrations or rallies. We encourage organizers to respect these designated spaces and avoid blocking entrances, exits or essential access routes. This ensures smooth operation of other activities and access for the general public. - Event Day
On the day of the demonstration or rally, event organizers should ensure all participants follow the guidelines outlined in this document. City security personnel may be present to monitor the event and address any concerns that may arise during the demonstration. - Post-Event Cleanup
Event organizers are responsible for ensuring the area is cleaned up after the event. All signage, litter, and other materials should be removed, leaving the space in the same condition it was in before the event.
For more information or to notify the City of your planned event, please email: events@greatersudbury.ca.