Improving Public Spaces: NEW Public Spaces Bylaw

Imagine the challenge for a bylaw or police officer to consistently and fairly enforce rules for  public spaces when the rules change depending on where you are located. That’s exactly the situation I learned about soon after being elected. The City currently has 3 primary bylaws that cover what can and can not happen in public areas. This image below shows an example of where various rules apply all within steps of each other.

I pushed for a comprehensive review and consolidation into one bylaw - the draft Public Spaces Bylaw. I’m proud that Edmonton is leading the way in Canada on this consolidation of over 250 unique offenses! 

UPDATE: The Public Hearing for the Public Spaces Bylaw is on February 14, 2024 (click here for agenda)

I know this is atopic I hear much about and so want to encourage residents to share their feedback on this new proposed bylaw. You can register to speak at the public hearing, share your thoughts through email, and help improve our public spaces! 

WHAT’S BEING CONSOLIDATED?

The 3 main bylaws in the review include, but are not limited to: 

1. Parkland Bylaw

2. Conduct of Transit Passengers Bylaw

3. Public Places Bylaw

Some examples of what this bylaw would regulate: 

• Permits and Reservations: 

• permits for events/gatherings

• reservations for private functions (eg; park sites) 

• Behaviour and Conduct: 

• littering/vandalism 

• defining disruptive behaviour (eg; visible drug use), 

• off-leash requirements 

• bikes/e-bikes/e-scooters 

• noise/amplification systems 

• fireworks

• smoking 

• protests 

• signage

• temporary shelters

• panhandling 

• Commercial Activities: 

• street vending

• Busking

• large events/festivals 

• Other areas of Interest: 

• Restrictions on amplification systems 

• Life jacket requirement on water vessels 

LEARN MORE: 

• Report being presented at Council February 14, 2024

• Draft Public Spaces Bylaw 20700 

• What We Heard Report

• Report at Committee September 9, 2022

The goal of this bylaw and what I am looking to achieve through these changes are to create clear and equitable regulations for the public, and effective enforcement tools.

This will ultimately improve the overall experience for everyone interacting in Edmonton’s public spaces. Let me know what you think about these changes!