Monday January 13, 2025 | LANGFORD, BC [Posted at 2:20 pm |Last update 5:45 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Tonight at the City of Langford Regular Council Meeting things will look a bit different.
Out of an abundance of caution, and in response to unacceptable behaviour by some members of the public, the City of Langford has issued the following notice (below) on its website and has requested the attendance of two RCMP officers at tonight’s Council meeting. The City says that it “believes these measures are regrettable but necessary”.
Public notice:
- As a result of the recent inappropriate behavior, yelling, and outbursts from some members of the public during Council proceedings, members of the community have expressed that they do not feel safe attending in person or speaking to items during City Council meetings.
- Council Chambers is a place of business. Council values input from all members of the public; however, name calling, yelling, heckling, or any other disruptive or aggressive behaviour which staff or other members of the public may find intimidating, will not be permitted.
- The City will take all steps necessary to ensure that City Hall, including Council Chambers, is a safe working environment, and a safe place for all members of the community to attend.
Worker safety:
The City has statutory obligations under the Workers Compensation Act, as well as pursuant to the Respectful Workplace Policy, City of Langford Violence Prevention Program, and Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1971, to protect the physical and psychological safety of staff and members of the public during public meetings. Recent feedback from some members of staff indicates increasing concerns for their personal safety.
The City points out that “across British Columbia and throughout the country, local governments are being compelled to take proactive measures such as these to protect staff and members of the public from physical threats and verbal assaults, which can hinder the expression of all voices during Council meetings”.
“It is regrettable that these steps are necessary, as the City actively encourages the sharing of diverse views. However, some members of the public have chosen to express their views in a manner that cannot and must not continue,” it is stated in a news release issued by the City of Langford today.
“While it is important to ensure everyone has a voice, it is equally important to safeguard the democratic process and the ability of citizens to participate freely without fear of retaliation from those with opposing views,” the City states.
Political transition:
The transition of the political landscape in Langford has been ongoing since the October 2022 election that ushered in a new mayor and almost entirely new council, after 30 years of leadership under one mayor and a nearly consistent council.
The new council is dealing with the fallout of previous council financial and investment decisions which has impacted taxation levels in 2023 and 2024.
The new council is led by Mayor Scott Goodmanson, with councillors Kimberley Guiry, Colby Harder, Mark Morley, Lillian Szpak, Keith Yacucha and Mary Wagner.
The new council is trying to address the needs of things that were either neglected (e.g. greenspace) or not yet fleshed out (e.g. the range of recreational options in town).
Impacts after previous meetings:
In addition to public reminders, the City has taken other steps to support staff who have expressed concerns for their physical and emotional safety after recent Council meetings.
The City reminds residents that participation in Council meetings occur in person or online. Those who do not feel comfortable attending in person are reminded that participation is also available via phone or the Zoom App.
Information on meeting schedules and dial-in details can be found at: Council & Committee Meetings – City of Langford.
Minister’s statement:
The Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon, has provided a statement:
“Our government believes in a tolerant. welcoming and inclusive society and recognizes the public’s right to engage in peaceful protest and lawful assembly. However, it is important to do so in a way that is tolerant and respectful of others, who work hard to keep the peace and maintain safe spaces for all voices to be heard.”
“There is no place for intimidation or threats to any member of the public, media or elected officials.”
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