DocumentsStaff ReportMar 26, 2020Pages 3–5
Staff Report to Council - Bylaw 1899 to Amend Langford Municipal Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 177, 1996
Bylaw Enforcement staff report recommending amendments to the Municipal Park Regulation Bylaw to permit park closures and posting/enforcement of notices (proposed in response to COVID-19), with options to give readings and immediately close parks or take no action.
Key facts
- Date: March 26, 2020
- Department: Bylaw Enforcement
- Purpose: Amend Bylaw No. 177 to allow restrictions/closures of parks, playgrounds, fields and to provide authority to post/enforce notices
- Recommendation/options: (1) Give first, second and third readings to Bylaw 1899 and (2) Immediately close all City parks, playgrounds and fields until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended; OR (3) Take no action
- Financial Implications: No anticipated financial implications
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Staff Report to Council
Date:
March 26, 2020
Department:
Bylaw Enforcement
Subject:
Bylaw 1899 to Amend Langford Municipal Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 177, 1996
Background
As communities across Canada respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic situation through more thoughtful management of publicly attended and shared spaces, Langford is already taking steps through restricting access to sites that may present higher possibilities of disease transmission. Included in this strategy is the restriction of access to playground areas and the associated equipment, as well as fields and other public spaces, which could become sources of contamination and transmission.
Commentary
In reviewing the Parks Bylaw, staff are recommending Council confirm certain authorities provided to the Parks Manager to purposefully protect the public through an identified need to close a Park (or any portion) under Council’s Municipal Parks Regulation Bylaw 177. Staff note that regular daily closure times have already been established by Council within the Bylaw based on the category of Park (e.g.: All Class “A” and “C” Parks listed on Schedule “A” are closed between sunset and sunrise daily with some further identified and restricted to between 5:00pm and 7:00am). Beyond these prescribed closures, there is limited special authority granted to the Parks Manager to stipulate closures for extraordinary circumstances.
Council has the ability to determine a need for effective management of public spaces under its s.8 “Fundamental Powers” authorities as provided in the Community Charter.
Financial Implications
There are no anticipated financial implications associated with the proposed amendment to the Parks Regulation Bylaw.
Legal Implications
This proposed amendment to the Parks Regulation Bylaw confirms Council’s intention to provide greater certainty when a need to close a Park or a portion of a Park emerges.
Options
That Council:
1.) Give first, second and third readings to Bylaw 1899, as amendment #11 to “Langford Municipal Parks Regulation Bylaw No.177, 1996”;
And
2.) Immediately close all City parks, playgrounds and fields until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended;
OR
3.) Take no action at this time with respect to amending Bylaw 1899.
Respectfully submitted
Submitted by:
Lorne Fletcher, Manager of Bylaw Enforcement
Concurrence:
Adriana Proton, Manager of Legislative Services
Concurrence:
Matthew Baldwin, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning
Concurrence:
Chris Aubrey, Fire Chief
Concurrence:
Cory Manton, Manager of Parks and Recreation
Concurrence:
Michelle Mahovlich, P.Eng, P.Geo, Director of Engineering
Concurrence:
Leah Stohmann, MCIP, RPP, Deputy Director of Planning
Concurrence:
Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance
Concurrence:
Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services
Concurrence:
Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer
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