Brewfing discussion date served up

A public meeting to prohibit nuisance parties and rooftop drinking in St. Catharines is set for April 10.

City council is considering adopting bylaws identical to those in London, Ont., to prevent student “brewfing” — the act of drinking on roofs.

It would also add “nuisance party” to St. Catharines bylaws, defined as a social gathering on private or public property that includes disorderly conduct, public intoxication, littering, unreasonable noise, damage of property, the unlawful sale or distribution of alcohol or drugs, the obstruction of pedestrians or vehicles, fighting and outdoor urination or defecation.

“This is certainly good news. Only last week we had another brewfing party and if this had been enacted a month ago, that would resolve many of the problems,” said St. Andrew’s Coun. Joe Kushner, who moved the motion to hold the public meeting.

“I can’t see the type of behaviour we had on St. Patrick’s Day being repeated next year, but I’ve been wrong before.”

If the bylaw amendment is passed, the city would apply to the courts to establish a fine, recommended to be $300.

City solicitor Heather Salter told council the bylaw, if adopted, would be primarily enforced by Niagara Regional Police because complaints about brewfing and parties generally occur later in the evening when municipal staff are not on duty. Municipal enforcement bylaw officers will also be able to issue tickets. Phillips received $24,540 for holding that role, a position now held by St. Andrew’s Coun. Matt Harris.

Mayor Walter Sendzik received $118,206 in remuneration, which includes sitting on the hydro board with Harris and a $11,820 car allowance.

Councillor expenses for mileage, meetings and events totalled $19,822 and varied greatly depending on whether they attended any conferences in 2016.

Port Dalhousie Coun. Bruce Williamson and St. Andrew’s Coun. Joe Kushner were the only two who did not submit any expenses for the year.