Beginning June 1, 2022, the Public Behaviour Bylaw 54M2006 restricts harassment of another person in a public space. The amended bylaw is one of several actions The City of Calgary is taking to deter the negative behaviour and support victims, making it clear that street harassment will not be tolerated in Calgary.
Calgarians will now be able to report personally experienced or witnessed instances of street harassment in public spaces for investigation. An offence of the bylaw carries a fine of $500.
In addition to the bylaw, The City is pursuing membership with the UN Women’s Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Program, a global initiative that bolsters cities’ ability to address the issue of harassment. Efforts to increase public awareness are also underway, including an advertising campaign encouraging Calgarians to be aware of their own safety and the safety of others, this summer.
Enforceable in public spaces
The bylaw applies to any instance of harassment behaviour that occurs within spaces that the public has access to in
Calgary. This includes businesses such as restaurants, on sidewalks, in libraries, etc.
How to report
Beginning June 1, 2022 Calgarians can report incidents of street harassment through the Calgary Police Services non-emergency line at 403-268-1234, by calling 311 or creating a 311 service request online.
If victims are threatened or in danger, call 911 for immediate assistance.
More information on how the bylaw works and reporting is available at Calgary.ca/streetharassment.
