The news of Ponoka’s curfew bylaw has reached the East Coast of Canada. Randy Larcombe, host of CBC Radio’s Central Newfoundland Morning Show, recently phoned up chief administrative officer for Ponoka, Brad Watson, for an interview for his show.
Watson says that the conversation with Larcombe went well and he was pleased with the interview.
“It was mainly general statements, such as what initiated the curfew, issues, etc.,” said Watson.
Watson touched on some of the challenges and benefits of the process of introducing the curfew bylaw as well as how it has been working in the community.
Watson was also able to report that the Ponoka Citizens on Patrol Society (COPS) has commented and have noticed a marked reduction in youth on the streets immediately since the bylaw was passed.
Watson told Larcombe that the Town of Ponoka researched and invited comments from the community in regards to the bylaw. The Town received 24 responses, 8:1 which were positive, and three opposed.
Watson spoke on the key to having a successful process and how the community responded to the curfew bylaw.
“It really bought buy-in with the community,” said Watson. “This way people had a say. The only way you can correct those issues is to get community buy-in, it has to be collective.”
The Central Newfoundland Morning Show provides national, regional and local news to its listeners as well as weather and sports, current issues and local interest stories.
Larcombe hosts from a studio in Grand Falls-Windsor and is joined by Leigh Anne Power from a studio in Gander.
The program connects the surrounding communities and electronically hooks up with St. John’s, Corner Brood and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Attempts to contact Larcombe were made but he was not available for an interview at the time of the calls.