Penticton residents are invited to share feedback on the proposed Safe Public Places bylaw.
The City is considering a new bylaw to set clear expectations for use and behaviour in public places, and community safety officers would have the authority to enforce them.
“Many cities have introduced similar bylaws to help address behaviours in public places that contribute to feelings that a community is unsafe,” says Blake Laven, the director of development services.
“With these same concerns on the rise in Penticton, the City is considering similar legislation.”
The Safe Public Places bylaw was given first reading by council at their meeting on March 21, initiating an engagement process to consult health officials, community agencies and residents prior to considering the bylaw for adoption.
“The bylaw will provide needed clarity and guidelines for enforcement for the community safety officers and provide the City with one additional tool to address safety concerns,” Laven adds.
With the proposed bylaw, the community safety officers would be able to respond to the large number of service calls regarding social nuisance and disorder concerns, according to the City.
In addition, the bylaw addresses substance use in public places and includes exemptions for safe consumption sites.
The three main sections of the bylaw address solicitation, setting expectations for behaviour in public places, and direction on seizure of items unlawfully occupying public places.
“These bylaws can be controversial and the City wants to ensure all concerns are identified and understood prior to council considering adoption,” says JoAnne Kleb, the City’s communications and engagement manager.
“Through the engagement program, we are inviting comments from health officials, local community groups and agencies as well as residents.”
A copy of the bylaw and background materials is available here.
Opportunities for residents to participate include:
April 30 is the final day to provide feedback.
Kleb adds: “If this is something the community would like to see or not, we hope residents will take the time to let Council know their thoughts.”
Feedback can be provided here.
