Animal Control Bylaw
Council enacted a comprehensive animal control bylaw after no concerns emerged at a public open house held Nov. 26.
“We had a cat bylaw and we had a dog bylaw but we didn't have an animal bylaw,” said Colin Whymark, a community peace officer. “It covers everything.”
The new law is a great tool for dealing with complaints of dangerous dogs running free in Centennial Park, he said.
“The one thing we're having a little bit of trouble with is dogs running off leash,” he said.
Ryan Anderson, the community peace officer that did much of the work putting the bylaw together, said new vicious dog provisions will help keep Innisfail safe for residents.
“Dogs could be deemed vicious by officer Whymark or myself,” Anderson said, noting that once a dog is placed under this category more restrictions apply, including a $250 yearly licensing fee. “It has to be on a leash at all times and under a muzzle when off your property.”
Vicious dogs will be given a coloured tag for ease of identification.
Sump pump laws take effect
Stronger rules around sump pumps meant to save users and the town money were approved by council at its regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 26.
The bylaw stresses the illegality of pumping collected water into the town's sanitary sewage system and notes these rules apply to roof drains and weeping tile as well.
Coun. Jason Heistad said social media could be a good way to inform people about the importance of not pumping water into the sewage system.
Mayor Jim Romane said the main thing was to bring the bylaw into force so any new construction going on in the town has a strong set of provisions they must follow.
“It takes some time before we get harsh and tough with people,” he said. “We've got a lot of educating to do.”
Anyone found in violation of the bylaw could be fined up to $100 (and costs) on a first offence, $500 for a second offence and $1,000 for a third offence. A fourth offence would result in up to 30 days in jail.
Second and third readings passed unanimously.
Downtown Innisfail area redevelopment plan
The official downtown renovation plan received first reading at the Nov. 26 regular council meeting.
So far public outreach has included an initial meeting, interviews with property and business owners, a series of workshops, two open houses and a committee meeting open to anyone who chose to attend.
A Jan. 14 public hearing for the redevelopment plan to be held at 7 p.m. in council chambers will be the last chance for the public to provide input on the project. Primarily the early 2013 meeting will allow people to comment on the Downtown Innisfail Area Redevelopment plan as well as share thoughts on the Downtown Innisfail 50 Street Conceptual Design.
Historical society denied
Council unanimously denied a $550 community grant request from the Innisfail Historical Society for Christmas at the Village. The ask indicated $300 would go for contracted services, $150 would go for supplies, equipment or registration and $100 would go for advertising. The request was denied because stipulations of the grant allow requests for up to 25 per cent of a project budget and this request was for the full amount.
Coun. Tracey Walker said the town typically provides in-kind support, not cash.
