(File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

New Potential Rules

North Battleford looking to create back alley bylaw, limit who can use overnight

Sep 26, 2023 | 5:44 PM

The City of North Battleford is looking to limit who can use back alleys overnight.

City Council met on Monday and approved the first of three readings for a new bylaw that would limit access on these paths from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Randy Patrick, North Battleford’s City Manager, told battlefordsNOW they believe this would increase public safety as it would allow RCMP and Community Safety Officers (CSOs) to remove people who shouldn’t be there.

“There are people who would use the alleyways for inappropriate usage, people may be going into alleys and maybe looking at getting into another yard or something along those lines,” he said.

Patrick added other communities in the province have implemented their own measure and have seen a lot of success. This included Nipawin who told the City that foot traffic dropped almost immediately.

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The City has also had talks with North Battleford RCMP with Patrick explaining they support the idea.

Not everyone would be banned from using these back alleys. Patrick said it would be like when construction closes off a road, allowing only local traffic through.

“If you’re a resident there, business there, if you’re delivering there, any reasonable reason,” he added.

There are 10 specific reasons the City has outlined under the proposed bylaw. Along with accessing their own property, people can use these paths for emergency situations, conducting work for a utility agency, and more.

People who don’t have a valid reason could receive a fine between $250 and $2,500.

Meanwhile, the City is taking its time in approving the bylaw so the public can provide feedback first.

They’re scheduled to approve the next two readings at separate meetings in October.

“It’ll give people time to comment directly back to the city or councillors,” said Patrick.

No specific public information session or town hall is being planned.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow