THUNDER BAY - A request for city administration to look into a potential loitering bylaw was dismissed by city council, with many councillors taking issue with the word loitering, saying it will only serve to further marginalize vulnerable people in the community.
Counc. Aldo Ruberto brought the motion forward, requesting city administration prepare a report on the feasibility of a loitering bylaw in order to address concerns of drug use and drug dealing in city neighbourhoods.
Ruberto said these issues were brought to his attention after speaking with many people in the downtown south core.
“The people who live there have to put up with it,” he said. “What about the rights of people who pay their taxes and go to work and come home and want to live a quiet quality of life?”
“To be absolutely clear from the beginning, this is about issues, not people,” Ruberto said. “We are not targeting the poor or the marginalized with this bylaw. If we are doing that, if it does happen, I will be the first one to amend or rescind the bylaw.”
Ruberto added he wanted council to focus on the main point, which is addressing the issue of drug use in core areas and finding a way to assist people living in these areas and the police.
But many on council did take issue with the use of the term loitering, saying it will only serve to further marginalize vulnerable groups of people, including Indigenous people and those living in poverty.
“I wanted to look at the fact that this is not really addressing the whole basis of the problem or the challenges we have in our community,” said Counc. Rebecca Johnson. “We can have a loitering bylaw, but my concern is are we really getting at the root of what really needs to be done.”
Westfort Counc. Kristen Oliver agreed, saying the city needs to look at this issue in a different way, including working with community partners to find safe spaces for vulnerable people.
“If we are trying to stop drug dealers, I don’t think charging them with loitering is the way to do that,” she said. “I recognize there are people in this community who feel unsafe from people gathering. I think we need to have a more balanced approach in how we address this.”
Counc. Shelby Ch’ng, who owns a business in the downtown south core, said she is familiar with the issues in the area and wants to ensure the voices of other business owners are heard.
“However, the loitering bylaw does not serve the purpose of what Counc. Ruberto stated,” she said. “If we push people out of these neighbourhoods dealing drugs, they will be pushed into neighbouring communities. It does not solve the issue.”
Most on council took issue with asking administration to prepare a report on a loitering bylaw that would most likely not receive the support from the majority of councillors if brought to a vote.
“I don’t think it’s worth my time or administration’s time to raise my favour to gather information for a bylaw I won’t support,” said Neebing Counc. Cody Fraser.
“I can’t support a bylaw that will further marginalize and victimize Indigenous people. It’s not the intent, but that will be the result.”
Counc. Mark Bentz referred to the proposed nuisance bylaw, which also drew criticism.
“This one troubles me a little bit more,” he said. “I don’t want the community to think we are drafting a loitering bylaw. I am open to information, but I am reluctant to endorse a loitering bylaw. I think that could have some unintended consequences for these people. If people are dealing drugs, I would rather deal with it in a another matter than loitering.”
Others on council did say it is important to find a balance between dealing with issues affecting the city and assisting vulnerable members of the population.
“It just seems that we have so many issues in our city, dealing with the most vulnerable people in society, we are all concerned about their rights and how we deal with them,” said McIntyre Counc. Albert Aiello.
“We also have to take a real look at everybody else. Everybody in the city should feel safe when they are walking to the store or the mall or the bank.”
Ruberto said a loitering bylaw could allow police to search those who have been charged with loitering and possibly discover drugs, leading to more serious charges, adding that something needs to be done.
“The marginalized and poor people are the ones who are being affected the most here, and the Indigenous people too,” he said. “Maybe I’m not right in saying it’s a loitering bylaw. But you have to do the right thing. Let’s find a way to address this.”
Based on the feedback from his fellow councillors, Ruberto agreed requesting administration to prepare a report on a loitering bylaw was not the right way to go, but said he would present another request at the next city council meeting for administration to look into possible options.
“This issue is top of mind for us,” said city manager Norm Gale. “That work will not stop. If council defeats this motion tonight, we will soldier on.”
The motion was ultimately defeated, with all on council voting against asking administration to prepare a report on a loitering bylaw, including Ruberto.
