Terrace City Council have given first, second, and third readings to their proposed Safe Streets Bylaw.
If approved, the bylaw would look to define acceptable public behavior, and give the City the tools to address inappropriate activities.
Prior to coming before council, a draft of the bylaw was circulated to community organizations, RCMP, and local First Nations.
Feedback from the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum Nations, among others, were taken into account and used to revise the newest draft of the bylaw.
Those revisions included the removal of a section which banned sleeping in vehicles, and amended the wording in a number of sections.
As revised the bylaw would prohibit spreading refuse or rubbish, engaging in violence, damaging or defacing landscaping and infrastructure, or causing a disturbance in public spaces.
Panhandling would be banned within 5 metres of a bank or financial lender, public restroom, liquor or cannabis store, bus shelter, or commercial entrance.
In addition, panhandling at vehicles would be restricted, and all activities which obstruct a public space would be banned.
Smoking or vaping within 6 metres of public transit stops, building entrances and windows, and public benches would also be prohibited.
A public hearing date must still be set for the bylaw before it can come before Council a final time for adoption.
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