By Pete McIntyre / Beach Radio Vernon

Vernon council quashes shopping cart ban

Sep 4, 2018 | 4:15 PM

VERNON, B.C. — Vernon city council has voted 5-1 not to proceed with a bylaw to ban shopping carts on public property.

Councillor Scott Anderson was the only vote against, arguing the ban was part of a comprehensive plan to clean up the downtown.

City lawyers, along with groups like the BC Civil Liberties Association, said there was a good chance the proposed bylaw was unconstitutional, as it could have infringed on the rights of homeless people.

EARLIER:

Vernon council will hold another debate today on a proposed ban on shopping carts in public places in the city.

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Council voted 5-1 in support of the ban back in July, but since then, the idea has faced a public and legal backlash.

The BC Civil Liberties Association and Pivot Legal Society say the bylaw is blatantly discriminatory to homeless people, and violates the Charter of Rights.

Mayor Akbal Mund hasn’t decided which way he’ll go, but says if council wants the bylaw, it could lead to a long legal battle.

“I guess you have to consider the cost of what this could mean to the city and taxpayers. It could be in the millions of dollars for all we know.”

Councillor Brian Quiring originally supported the idea, but has since changed his mind, saying it could make the situation worse

City staff is recommending council NOT proceed with a bylaw.

The idea to pursue the ban was approved by council back in July as one of the recommendations made by the Activate Safety Task Force.