TAMRMS#: B06
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Request for Funding for Public Participation
Presented by: Darija Slokar, Senior Advisor and Project Manager
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That up to $15,000 from the Stabilization Reserve fund to support the public participation activity necessary to gain public input into Council’s decision-making as it relates to potential future amendments to the Smoking Bylaw be approved.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to request funding to undertake community engagement to gather input that will be considered by Council prior to deciding future amendments to the Smoking Bylaw.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Not applicable.
ALIGNMENT TO ADMINISTRATIVE PRIORITY
Administrative Priority #3: Mandated Service Requirements
A.3.1 Cannabis Legislation
ALIGNMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY
Public Participation provides opportunity for residents to provide input into decisions that affect the community. The Council Policy C-CAO-20 Public Participation provides direction to Administration on how and when to involve stakeholders in providing input into decisions that affect the community.
COUNCIL DIRECTION
On September 10, 2018, GPFC passed the following motions:
AR-18-356
That the Governance, Priorities and Finance Committee (GPFC) recommend to Council that Administration undertake a public survey before enacting a full prohibition on smoking and vaping of all substances in St. Albert and that up $15,000 from the Stabilization Reserve Fund be approved to support this public engagement initiative.
At the June 18, 2018 Governance, Priorities and Finance Committee meeting, Administration was directed as follows:
AR-18-267
That GPFC direct Administration bring back amendments to the Smoking Bylaw that aligns the smoking bylaw with the cannabis bylaw by the September GPFC meeting.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Governance, Priorities and Finance Committee directed Administration on June 18, 2018 to bring forward amendments to the Smoking Bylaw in order to align the Smoking Bylaw with the Cannabis Consumption Bylaw. On September 17, 2018, Council approved a full public prohibition on public consumption of cannabis.
On September 10, 2018, Administration brought forward the proposed amendments to the Smoking Bylaw, as per Council’s direction. During the meeting, Council also discussed the need for public input related to Smoking Bylaw and potential future amendments, including aligning the Smoking Bylaw with the Cannabis Consumption bylaw, which would further prohibit smoking or vaping of tobacco in the community. As a result, GPFC directed Administration to bring forward to Council a request for funding to undertake a survey and gather public input prior to Council making decisions on the Smoking Bylaw amendments.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The funds requested in this report will be used to gather public input on this matter.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial: Up to $15,000 will be required from the Stabilization Reserve Fund to conduct a public survey.
Legal / Risk: None at this time
Program or Service: None at this time.
Organizational: Internal resource will be used to plan and organize the survey and work with the contractor to deliver the survey and provide summary of findings to Council.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1:
An Open House may be organized to provide community an opportunity to share their views on the Smoking Bylaw and provide input for Council’s consideration. Although this may be more cost-effective option, the disadvantage of this option is anticipated lower awareness of the opportunity to provide input and low attendance, which would affect the quality of the input received and community’s awareness of the potential changes and impact on the community.
Alternative 2:
Council may decide not to approve necessary funding to undertake public participation input for the Smoking Bylaw in which case, public participation activities would not take place prior to any future amendments to the Smoking Bylaw. Administration does not recommend this alternative.
Report Date: November 5, 2018
Author(s): Darija Slokar
Committee/Department: Strategic Services
General Manager: Michelle Bonnici
City Manager: Kevin Scoble