Ross Street Patio (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Ross Street Patio area

First reading passed for Entertainment District bylaw aimed for downtown

May 25, 2022 | 10:58 AM

A new Entertainment District bylaw that would be applied to the Ross Street Patio (RSP) area has been read for a first time by Red Deer city council on Tuesday.

Entertainment Districts are described as designated public areas where adults may consume alcohol outside of licensed premises while enjoying various types of entertainment.

Originally requested by the Downtown Business Association (DBA), administration presented the idea of an Entertainment District bylaw to council on May 9.

READ: Red Deer city council considers designating a downtown Entertainment District

Administration returned on May 24 with a draft bylaw covering the designation of the area to be used, rules around vendors, control of the area and enforcement.

good news

Ermineskin Cree Nation to connect to safe water supply via regional water services commission

44m ago

done and dusted

Sylvan Lake completes Rotenone application to deal with nuisance goldfish

2h ago

three hills rcmp

Sexual assault suspect sought after alleged incident near Torrington

2h ago

Schedule “A” – Proposed Entertainment District, marked in the crossed area. (Red Deer city council May 24 agenda p.128)

The proposed operational hours for liquor to be consumed in the area are:

• Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Friday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Possible fines for violations include up to $200 for a first offence in breaching any section of the bylaw. Within a 12-month time period, a second offence could be up to $400, and $600 for a third or any further offence.

Administration stated while risk, liability and insurance are unknown, they will be continuing to work with the DBA regarding issues such as increased litter, unruly behaviour, traffic concerns and more.

The city says next steps include meeting with affected business owners within the upcoming week, review of their feedback, and adjusting of the bylaw accordingly.

Administration will meet again with council at a Special Council Meeting, approved on Tuesday, scheduled for Friday, June 10 at 2:30 p.m. for second and third reading.

READ: Red Deer city council meetings: earlier start time and two special meetings added

Administration confirmed no public hearing will be needed to implement the bylaw and the Entertainment District would be one of the first of its kind in the province.