WEYBURN — In a move aimed at bolstering public safety, Weyburn City Council has given final approval to a bylaw that opts the city into the provincial government’s Safe Public Spaces Act.
At its meeting on Monday, council unanimously passed the second and third reading of the bylaw, formally known as the Safe Public Spaces Bylaw. The bylaw comes on the recommendation of the Weyburn Board of Police Commissioners and follows first reading on Oct. 14.
The bylaw empowers local police to utilize the new rules established by the Government of Saskatchewan under the Safe Public Spaces Act, also known as the Street Weapons Act.
The bylaw is expected to promote “safety in public urban spaces,” said Tina Clay, city clerk.
The legislation targets items such as large knifes, machetes and bear spray, as well as drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl in public areas. The rules are only applicable in municipalities and First Nations that choose to opt-in.
Coun. Todd Bedore sought clarity on the timeline for implementation, asking, “If passed tonight, when does this actually take effect? As soon as it passes?”
Clay confirmed it does take effect as soon as council passes the motion.
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