The City of Penticton is proposing a revised bylaw to help make public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone. The Safe Public Places Bylaw No. 2025-35 will be considered by Council on November 4 and is designed to prevent public nuisance on public property—by clearly identifying harassment as one of the behaviours that can interfere with people’s ability to safely use shared spaces.
Recognizing that the RCMP have the authority to enforce the Criminal Code as well as issue tickets under municipal bylaws, the bylaw gives the City and RCMP a new tool to respond to harassment in public places that constitutes a public nuisance rather than a form of criminal harassment. In those cases, a $500 fine may be issued under the City’s municipal bylaws.
“This bylaw is rooted in our commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful public spaces where everyone feels safe and included,” said Julie Czeck, General Manager of Public Safety and Partnerships. “Discriminatory harassment undermines that sense of belonging. This bylaw gives us a fair and locally grounded way to address harmful behaviours and uphold the dignity and safety of all community members.”
The proposed changes were developed after a request from South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS), who asked Council to support anti-racism efforts and explore a bylaw similar to one used in Calgary. City staff worked with SOICS, the RCMP and Bylaw Services to make sure the bylaw is enforceable and legally sound.
The bylaw also updates other rules to make enforcement clearer and more consistent. These include new definitions for disorderly conduct and obstruction, and changes to how behaviours like loitering and solicitation are handled.
The bylaw will be reviewed by the Public Safety Advisory Committee before coming back to Council for further consideration.
For more information and to read the Council Report, visit: penticton.ca.