Potential changes to Kelowna’s Good Neighbour Bylaw, which includes a proposal to make busking permits mandatory, have been controversial.
Now Kelowna’s mayor is promising more consultation in response to criticism that street performers weren’t consulted.
On Thursday, Mayor Colin Basran issued a statement promising council will hold off on making a final decision on changes to busking rules until further consultation is done.
“City staff sought feedback on this from Festivals Kelowna, but it has been made abundantly clear that artists and street performers should have also been a part of that consultation process,” Basran wrote.
“City council agreed, which is why we instructed staff to broaden our work with the arts community and Festivals Kelowna to ensure the busking program will enhance the arts experience in our city.”
READ MORE: Kelowna busker busted
The proposed changes to Kelowna’s Good Neighbour Bylaw also include instituting $250 fines for those who give money to panhandlers at traffic lights or who donate bottles to individuals within 500 metres of a bottle depot.
Get breaking National news
Basran is also stressing that changes have not be finalized and he would like to see further study.
- B.C. First Nations explore if nuclear power could meet province’s electricity needs
- Hoekstra says Trump serious about tariff threat over wildfire smoke
- Ontario PC MPPs who spent big on hotels face questions as minister resigns
- 2 Saskatchewan research farms to stay open as province enters MOU with Ottawa
“We need to find a balance that allows us to help those most vulnerable in our community while ensuring a safe community for all. What is not readily known to all is that there are record instances where well intentioned generosity has had some very negative consequence.”
The mayor did not elaborate on what those negative consequences were.
– with files from Jules Knox
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.