A second public meeting has been planned by councillors over the town’s controversial business hours bylaw. Second reading was passed on the bylaw April 23 to amend the bylaw by taking out pawnshops and allowing liquor delivery from licenced businesses.
Councillors discussed the merit of the bylaw before making a decision, as there does not seem to be interest from the public. Coun. Izak van der Westhuizen feels taxpayers have not shown much concern. “There has been a lot of time for people to respond to this.”
Coun. Loanna Gulka feels despite little response that does not mean people don’t have an opinion on the matter. “We can’t guess what people are thinking just because they don’t say anything.”
Van der Westhuizen is concerned town council might be regulating an industry that is already regulated by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.
Coun. Rick Bonnett is in favour of a meeting to seek public input. “I also would like to hear from the public one more time. Pros and cons against the bylaw and that’s the reason why I would support second reading, so we do support consultation with the public.”
Councillors voted in favour of second reading and a second public meeting for May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Kinsmen Community Centre.