PROTESTS, DEMONSTRATIONS & RALLIES

Full Protest & Demonstrations Policy (PDF)

Sankofa Square is an outdoor public space, and members of the public have the right to gather. The freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are enshrined under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Unlike for other organized events, neither Sankofa Square nor the City of Toronto issue permits for demonstrations on publicly accessible property.

Protests, demonstrations, rallies and vigils are ONLY welcomed when another organization has not previously permitted Sankofa Square. When there is a permitted event or activation on the Square, Sankofa Square security guards have the right to escort protestors off the premises as part of the City of Toronto Municipal Bylaws.  

To ensure there is no conflict with a previously permitted event or activation, Sankofa Square requests that individuals or groups wishing to utilize the Square for a protest, demonstration, rally, or vigil should be directed to info@sankofasquare.ca for confirmation. 

Sankofa Square does not issue event permits for protests, demonstrations, rallies and vigils. 

The Square does not provide logistical support or services (e.g., power, barricades, furniture, audio-visual equipment, set-up, or additional site maintenance) for non-permitted events. Should the Square become aware of demonstrations on or potentially impacting the property, Security and/or the Toronto Police Service are to be engaged to respond as appropriate.

In addition, a Notice of Demonstration should be sent to the Toronto Police Service. The TPS Notice of Demonstration form can be found here.

When on-site, public gatherings must adhere to the following:  

  • Amplified sound is prohibited onsite for all non-permitted activations.   

  • Use of Megaphones is prohibited.  

  • Posting of signage or any physical material directly onto Sankofa Square property is prohibited. 

  • Protests, demonstrations, rallies, and vigils must remain on the plaza and the use of the elevated stage area is prohibited.   

  • Equipment may not be set up and vehicles of any kind are prohibited onsite.  

  • Balloons, confetti, chalk, paint, or open flame of any sort are prohibited, in accordance with city and zoning bylaws.  

  • Sales of materials, including books, pamphlets, posters and banners, is not allowed, even if the exchange of money is in the form of a donation. 

  • Hate speech or propaganda and images of violent, graphic, or disturbing content are prohibited.  

* Sankofa Square reserves the right to deny or escort off the plaza area any protestors who are in violation of the rules and regulations.