Tuesday, September 02, 2008

They have curfew on their minds in Fort St. John


While Mayor Pond may suggest that the much discussed concept of a curfew in Prince Rupert may run contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, they apparently aren’t quite as tentative in the Northeast anymore.

With tales that sound rather familiar to local happenings, fed up residents of Fort St. John have put enough pressure on their city council, that municipal officials there are contemplating putting one in place there to combat the wandering hordes of youngsters apparently laying waste to portions of the city.

Coun. Karen Simpson, first brought up the idea of a curfew some ten years ago, but it was set aside at that time after local officials decided that it was a violation of human rights.

With ten years of growing trouble it would seem that they may be willing to test that possibility in order to bring a little peace of mind for their residents.

The Mayor of Fort St. John offered up his thoughts on the issue to the CBC Daybreak program last week (see link to clip below), and said that council and staff would be looking at their options regarding the problems there.

With the push on from another city in BC to look at curfews again, and recent crime statistics showing that vandalism has grown at a pretty fast rate here, we wonder if the prospect of a curfew might get yet another look from council at their next meeting on September 8th.

Northeast news— Curfew considered for youth
Energy FM-- Vandalism in the City = Youth Curfew?
CBC Daybreak-- Fort St. John residents say they're under siege
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Past Podunkian articles on vandalism and thoughts on a curfew in Prince Rupert.
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October 25, 2007-- One window too many?

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