Shortage created by the system
Dear editor: Interesting to see the damage control statement from Mayor Colin Basran released just prior to the Easter holiday weekend concerning the so called “good neighbour bylaw” that more appropriately should have been called the “population control bylaw”.
While the mayor states that he wanted to let everyone know that the city is listening, I take this as nothing more than a hollow, save-face attempt. The reality is, that if the city was truly listening to the citizens, the bylaw amendment would never have made the agenda in the first place, and most certainly would have been tabled for future consideration given the public outcry that preceded the meeting.
Indeed, in as far as the components of the bylaw that are squarely aimed at the homeless, the City of Kelowna purposely neglected to even consult Dr. Alina Turner for her input before bringing it to council. It is evident through this latest bylaw, that closely followed the Westcorp tower debacle, that council has no interest in listening not only to the large citizen mass but neither to its own specialized consultants and expert staff.
Egregious bylaws that attempt to criminalize great sectors of the population, need far more public interaction than a short debate by a few councillors at an afternoon meeting that precludes the participation of the majority of citizens.
Our current council has continually enacted bylaws that are nothing more than attempts to criminalize the marginalized sector of society to in effect, further attempt to drive them from the city. The latest attempted bylaw now takes aim at those compassionate citizens that actually try to help the marginalized.
The mayor speaks of developing “holistic solutions” while inspiring a culture of tolerance and social balance that always seeks to resolve conflicts in a sensible, caring manner.
If any of this rings true, we certainly don’t need bylaws enacted that are delivered by bylaw enforcement individuals attired like a swat team that always carry the hammer of either, do as you’re told or here is the large fine.
Take notice, if this bylaw is brought back before council for forth reading and adoption, it will be closely scrutinized to ensure there are no changes embodied in it. If the bylaw is amended in any manner or form, it needs to go back for first reading – and a public hearing, where all citizens have an opportunity to participate.
Jim McMullan Kelowna