Edmonton’s city council heard from residents Monday about the new public spaces bylaw.
While some councillors believe the new rules and tickets strike a balance, some Edmontonians fear it will target the city’s vulnerable population.
The proposed fine for public drug use or living in a tent on city streets would be $25.
“The enforcement of punitive measures are the last resort,” explained Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.
Advocate Alexander Dowsey says fines for staying in a transit station for an extended period of time, for example, could criminalize the homeless. Instead, Dowsey wants to see more supports.
“This is a problem that’s going to be with us for a long time,” Dowsey said. “And we can respond with antagonism and try to push down on it in increasing hostile ways, but that’s not going to make it go away. And when people don’t have a choice, they’re always going to be in those spaces.”
Mayor Sohi says compassion for the city’s homeless community will still be top priority for city peace officers, explaining the public spaces bylaw gives the officers power to legally engage and direct to supports.
“Open drug use is never acceptable,” Sohi said. “Currently it’s a criminal code offence. So when our bylaw officers see someone using drugs on public transit, they have to call police. Under this bylaw, they’ll be able to engage. “
Fines increase to $250 for things like spitting in public; not wearing a life jacket on the North Saskatchewan River; and flying a drone without proper permits.
Councillor and mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell wants the fines to be more uniform. He believes the current ranking of fines sends a message about enforcement priority.
“I think there’s an apprehension that excessive fines leads to criminality,” said the councillor for Ward pihêsiwin. “I don’t love that feeding a feral cat is far more severe than consuming drugs openly in a public space — and that’s what this policy implies.”
Another issue brought up during Monday’s public forums: fines for protests without permits, and use of voice amplification on city streets. Some of those speaking at city hall feared it could impact free speech.