Meadow Lake proposes raising littering fine from $100 to $500

The amendment would also establish a specified $500 penalty for vendors and owners who violate the bylaw. The city’s general penalties bylaw currently sets the penalties. The report said putting the amount directly into the litter bylaw would clarify penalties and streamline enforcement.

Officers would gain authority under the bylaw to issue written orders requiring the owner or occupant of a property connected to a violation to remedy it. The draft provides a right to appeal an order under the Cities Act.

“Orders may include, but are not limited to, requirements to install additional waste receptacles or construct fencing to prevent litter from leaving the property,” the report said.

The draft would also add provisions for the city to remedy violations and take action in emergencies. Unpaid costs could be recovered by adding them to the taxes on the property where the work was done or through a civil court action.

The existing bylaw already allows the city to clear waste at an owner’s expense and provides for adding overdue cleanup costs to property taxes.

Businesses selling food, drinks or tobacco, and owners of premises where those products are sold, would retain their existing obligations to provide at least one approved waste receptacle on their premises and collect waste associated with products they sell.

That cleanup requirement covers an area “not less than one hundred and fifty metres from the boundaries of the premises,” according to the bylaw.

The amendment would also remove wording from the purpose section linking litter control to areas around businesses selling food, beverages or tobacco. Hallahan’s report said this would clarify enforcement throughout Meadow Lake.

The existing regulations already prohibit depositing food, beverages, tobacco products or waste anywhere in the city except in an approved receptacle. Parents and guardians must not permit children under 16 to breach that requirement.

Other amendments would update references to provincial legislation. The report said the Litter Control Act was repealed and replaced by the Environmental Management and Protection Act.

Staff anticipate a possible short-term increase in fine revenue, but the report said the long-term effect would likely be limited as behaviour adjusts.

If the amendment is adopted, staff plan to post an updated, consolidated bylaw on the city’s website, provide a copy to the courthouse and explain the changes in the next City Scoop.

Council gave the bylaw amendment first reading on Oct. 26. It is expected to return to a future council meeting for second and third readings.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Meadow Lake proposes raising littering fine from $100 to $500

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