Curfew bylaw - the facts
Published March 8, 2006
Much ink has been spilt recently regarding this proposed bylaw. I receive many e-mails, phone calls and letters about this issue, most of them in favour. However, judging from some of the questions I receive, I believe that many people have not read the draft. Furthermore, statements have been made and reported in the press that are incorrect. I would like to attempt to clear up some of these inaccuracies.
Society deals with issues in many different ways. We frequently grant rights and responsibilities according to age, reflecting the observation that maturity comes with years. If one is not of the age of majority, one faces restrictions. We all know about:
- smoking or the purchase of tobacco products
- consumption of alcohol
- gambling
- working alone during certain hours
- driving with full privileges
It is no secret that I support this bylaw. I see the bylaw as a tool for the police to use. I see it potentially curtailing crime. Above all, I see it as a means to protect our youth. I am confident that this bylaw will come into play for only a very very small percentage of our youth. Police interaction with youth as a result of this bylaw is not a thing to be feared.
What are the facts about this bylaw?
A minor cannot be out on the streets between 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The bylaw is enforced at the sole discretion of the peace officer.
A minor can be in a public place when:
- involved in an emergency as defined by the bylaw
- in a motor vehicle travelling from one point to another without detour
- employed
- acting in a volunteer capacity
- attending an organized school or sporting event
- at a religious, cultural or recreational activity
- or, at any other time as determined by a Peace Officer.
The minor is subject to no penalty for being out after curfew hours. Instead, the peace officer may:
- direct the minor to go home immediately;
- take the minor home and deliver them to their parent/guardian;
- phone the minor's parent or guardian and have them pick up the minor.
Minors, like anyone, have rights as defined by law and the needs of society. Having acknowledged that, I pose the questions: what social good is achieved by permitting a minor to be in a public place, unsupervised, between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.? Would you allow your child to be out on the street during those hours unsupervised? The bylaw has more than enough latitude for all minors to engage in normal, activity and in no way detracts from a parent's right to authorize such activities.
I would encourage all those concerned about this issue to attend the public meetings as advertised in the paper. We need to have both voices heard.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Page ID: 1949