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“There will be consequences for this type of behavior”
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May 31, 2022 • 6 hours ago • 3 minutes reading • 42 comments Two cyclists on Riverwalk Road in East Village on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Photo by Azin Ghaffari / Postmedia
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Harassment in public places could result in a fine of up to $ 500 once the Calgary City street harassment law goes into effect Wednesday.
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The city is taking a position of intolerance against street harassment with the new amendment to the public behavior law, Calgary Community Standards business strategist Aalika Kohli said Tuesday. Residents of Calgar may publicly report incidents of harassment on the street experienced or witnessed in person and these incidents will be investigated, which could result in a fine of up to $ 500.
“There will be consequences for this kind of behavior,” Kohli said.
“The City of Calgary is taking a holistic approach to ending street harassment, with measures that use collaboration, education, and enforcement to regulate behavior that violates Calgary’s ability to enjoy public spaces. and feel safe in the communities. “
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The City Council voted unanimously in March to amend the Public Behavior Ordinance to restrict harassment to another person in a public space. It enters into force on 1 June.
Harassment is defined in the statute as communication with a person in a manner that could cause a reasonable offense or humiliation, including conduct, comments, or actions that relate to race, religious beliefs, disability, age, gender, identity or gender expression of the person. sexual orientation, family or marital status, or income. It also includes sexual requests (catcalling) or advances, among other things.
The statute applies to harassment in public spaces in Calgary, including businesses such as restaurants, sidewalks, and libraries.
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Under the Public Behavior Act, a fine involving a court appearance could also lead to a fine of up to $ 10,000 and six months in prison. There are no provincial laws against street harassment in Alberta.
When the council voted to amend the statute, it joined Edmonton and London, Ont., As the only Canadian cities with municipal sanctions specifically for street harassment.
“This will be a deterrent and there will be more eyes on the streets,” Kohli said.
Ryan Pleckaitis, general manager of Calgary Community Standards, said all reports and possible violations of the statute will be seriously addressed and investigated.
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“The important message that this regulation sends is that Calgary is a safe and welcoming city and that we will not tolerate issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia or other forms of open fanaticism,” Pleckaitis said.
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He said there are issues with the application because it is a transitional offense, but they will investigate it as they do with all breaches of the ordinance. Telephone recordings of people from the incidents will help, as well as statements from victims and witnesses.
Victims or witnesses of street harassment can report the incident through the Calgary Police Non-Emergency Line at 403-268-1234, or by calling 311 or creating a service request at 311 at line. The person reporting the event will be asked about the nature of the concern, a description of the offender, and the location of the incident, along with other details that they feel comfortable sharing.
If there is a direct threat or the situation is dangerous, people are advised to call 911 immediately.
Kohli said the city understands that this ordinance is not the “silver bullet” to solve street harassment.
“For this reason, we have other measures that we are also looking at, such as public awareness advertising campaigns,” Kohli said.
The city is taking other actions to improve the safety of those most at risk of harassment on the street. The city is pursuing membership in the United Nations Program on Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women, which is a global initiative to support cities as they work to address harassment.
sbabych@postmedia.comTwitter: @BabychStephanie
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