Didsbury citizens’ group vehemently opposed to proposed ‘Public Spaces Neutrality Bylaw’

The spokesperson also confirms that town council doesn’t read a land acknowledgment to start its meetings, nor does the town have one on its website.

The Public Space Neutrality Bylaw was introduced to council on March 10. Administration crafted it following an ask by council, which is said to have stemmed from feedback gathered during last fall’s election campaign.

Specifically, it was asked that the bylaw resemble those passed in Westlock and Barrhead, the spokesperson says.

At the March 10 meeting, council passed first and second readings. A third reading, all in one meeting, would have required unanimous consent of council, but the vote was far from it.

Those who voted in favour of second reading were Mayor Chris Little, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Bob Murray, as well as Councillor Irwin Mahon.

In opposition were councillors Curt Engel, Norm Quantz, and Will Stevens.

“Our town government exists to represent everyone who lives here,” Mayor Chris Little said in a recent media release. “Maintaining politically neutral municipal spaces helps ensure every resident — regardless of their political beliefs or personal views — feels represented by their local government.”

The bylaw would apply to flagpoles, streets, crosswalks, and municipal facilities. It would not apply to private property.

It’s also worded as keeping the town free of ‘symbols associated with ideological debates.’

“Our national, provincial, and municipal flags belong to everyone,” Mayor Little added. “They represent the freedoms and rights that allow our diverse community to live, work, and participate together.”

Meanwhile, a group called the Didsbury Civic Literacy Network, says the move has sent shockwaves through the community.

“While framed by its proponents as a move toward ‘neutrality,’ community members and dissenting councillors have identified it as a thinly-veiled attempt to ban and erase symbols of support for marginalized groups, specifically the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous communities,” the group says in a release of its own.

“There is an undercurrent of concern as to whether this is just the beginning.”

They also note concerns from at least one councillor, expressed March 10, about the bylaw being an administrative burden, and around why the town needs a legislative hammer to be used to prevent town staff from doing work council hasn’t actually authorized.

“The speed at which this bylaw is being forced through, with two readings occurring the very first night the public was allowed to see the text, suggests a council majority that is more interested in avoiding public scrutiny than engaging in democratic dialogue,” the Literacy Network adds.

“Concerned citizens are urged to contact the town office and their elected representatives immediately to demand that this bylaw be defeated at its third and final reading. Didsbury must remain a town where everyone belongs, not a place where ‘neutrality’ is weaponized to enforce exclusion.”

Final reading is scheduled for council’s March 24 meeting. Residents with concerns or feedback can contact the town office at 403-335-3391.

by Josh Hall

Didsbury citizens’ group vehemently opposed to proposed ‘Public Spaces Neutrality Bylaw’

What's Trending