Bruderheim lays down the law

A curfew for children under the age of 15 is in effect in Bruderheim.

Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, youths in the town of just over 1,100 people northeast of Edmonton will have to be off the streets between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The bylaw does not apply to youths who are driving from one place to another without any detours or who are returning home from work or a recreational activity. Anyone “involved in an emergency” is also exempt from the bylaw.

Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch said the bylaw is intended to make residents and children safer.

“When a resident is lying in his house and it’s in August when it’s really hot and they’ve got all the windows open and they hear people walking around at four in the morning down their back alley, they want to feel safe," Hauch said Friday.

Anyone who breaks the bylaw could face a $100 fine for the first offence, which doubles for the second offence. Bylaw officers are encouraged to either send the child home, take them home or call their parents to pick them up.

The town’s bylaw says the move is in response to some young people being on the streets late at night unsupervised by adults, which presents a danger to their health and safety.

Hauch said the town has been partnering with the RCMP on a number of initiatives and the bylaw was recommended by police.

“We have a nice little small community that people feel safe in and we want to ensure that our community stays that way,” he said.

The town follows numerous other Alberta cities and towns that have passed similar bylaws. Red Deer’s youth curfew takes effect between midnight and 6 a.m. and applies to children under the age of 16 with similar exemptions for work.

“When it comes to the safety of the children and the residents, I don’t think you can put a cost on that,” Hauch said.