The grassroots group Food Not Bombs Peterborough has been providing free meals to those in need for nearly 19 years in Peterborough, Ont. They have been serving meals at Confederation Square since 2011, relying on food donations from farms, grocers, and other community organizations. However, the city recently issued a trespass notice for failing to have a permit, citing a bylaw that bans tenting and offering food in public parks. The group argues that their work is a protest against war, poverty, and the destruction of the environment, and therefore they should not require a permit.
Due to the recent issues with the bylaw, city council approved an amendment that allows Food Not Bombs to bypass the permit requirement. This amendment grants city staff the authority to grant and revoke exemptions for specific activities in Confederation Square. Additionally, there was a change made from administering tickets to issuing fines for those who do not comply with the bylaw. Fines start at $500 for the first day of contravention and increase to $750 for each subsequent day that the bylaw is broken.
Despite the amendment to the bylaw, Food Not Bombs has expressed concerns about the change in fines and the inability to contest them in court. Longtime volunteer Myles Connor believes that the administrative penalties may pose a challenge compared to provincial offenses orders. During the discussion on the bylaw amendment, a motion to defer the matter for further consideration was voted down by the council. Mayor Jeff Leal supported the decision, stating that the city is taking a more local approach to address the issue and ensure that matters are resolved quickly.
Food Not Bombs is grateful for the city’s work and public support throughout the issue. They see themselves as a demonstration organization that is advocating for the rights of everyone who follows them. Despite the recent challenges, the group will resume serving meals at Confederation Square without the worry of a trespass notice. The mayor, while initially hoping for more time to address the issue, is confident that council made the right decision in approving the amendment to the bylaw. The city council’s decision allows Food Not Bombs to continue their work in providing meals for those in need without the hindrance of permit requirements.
Food Not Bombs Peterborough’s dedication to serving meals to those in need as a form of protest against war, poverty, and environmental destruction has been ongoing for nearly two decades. Their commitment to providing free meals at Confederation Square has faced challenges recently due to changes in city bylaws, but with the recent amendment approved by city council, the group can continue their work without the need for a permit. The amendment also introduces fines for non-compliance with the bylaw, a change that has raised new concerns for Food Not Bombs volunteers. Despite these challenges, the group remains thankful for the support they have received from the city and the public, and they will continue their efforts to serve meals to those in need.
