Proposed Changes for Parks Bylaw

Aug 24

Addresses Encampments, E-vehicles, Gives More Power to City Manager

The Public Services Committee meets
Monday August 25 3:45pm
Ted Grimm Boardroom
City Hall, 2nd Floor

Committee meetings are open to the public either in person or via MS Teams - link is in the agenda. The City of Medicine Hat does NOT record these meetings. The Medicine Hat Owl will be broadcasting the meeting live on YouTube, on our website and on our Facebook page; it will be recorded for later public viewing.

The Public Services Committee Agenda includes an update to the Parks Bylaw stating

To appropriately manage the popularity of City parks and trails, the Plan identified an immediate need to update the current bylaw to align with the current needs and unique qualities of parks and open spaces. In addition to the priorities identified in the plan, societal changes such as airborne technology, electric bikes, and wheeled conveyances, combined with an increased presence of encampments, require that the current bylaw be updated.

🔑 Key Differences Between Bylaw 2527 and Proposed Bylaw 4859

1. Scope & Definitions

Bylaw 2527: Narrower definitions, older terminology (e.g., motor vehicle, horse use, dogs, livestock). Technology not addressed.
Bylaw 4859: Expanded definitions covering drones, e-bikes, e-scooters, wheeled conveyances, environmental reserves, natural areas, archaeological sites, etc. Much broader in scope.

2. Permits & Authorization

2527: Limited permitting (mainly Parks Manager approval for gatherings, dogs off-leash, or business activity).
4859: Formal Permit system (Section 10) covering events, structures, encampments, commercial uses, drones, encroachments, etc. Adds strong City Manager authority for temporary closures, exclusive use, and event approvals.

3. Park Hours

2527: Parks Manager could establish hours; typically closed after posted times.
4859: Parks are open 24 hours unless otherwise posted, but City Manager can vary hours.

4. Restricted Activities

2527: Covered basics (damage to vegetation, noise, alcohol, firearms, fires, littering, vehicles, camping, water use).
4859: Adds modernized prohibitions:

Encampments & camping restrictions
Balloon releases, water balloons, chemicals/pesticides disposal
Chainsaws, climbing on non-climbable structures
Cremated remains, fireworks, drones, firearms, commercial filming
E-bikes and e-scooter rules, lifejacket requirements, fishing/ice fishing rules

5. Environmental Protections

2527: Basic vegetation, flower beds, littering rules.
4859: Stronger stewardship focus:

Explicit protection of environmental reserves, natural areas, archaeological sites
Ban on altering water flows, cutting/removing wood, encroachments into parks
Explicit prohibition against leaving trails in sensitive areas

6. Technology

2527: Last updated in 2022 to allow e-scooters on paved park pathways, but otherwise no modern tech coverage.
4859: Comprehensive rules on drones, e-bikes, e-scooters, wheeled conveyances, speed limits (20 km/h unless posted), lighting and bell requirements, child restrictions, and audible passing signals.

7. Enforcement & Penalties

2527: Fines generally $50–$250, maximum penalty $150 for many infractions. Littering could also involve cleanup costs.
4859: Expanded Schedule A penalties with minimum & specified fines ranging $25–$1,500, depending on the offence. Much stricter enforcement (e.g., $500–$1,500 for fire violations, $750–$1,500 for encroachments). Jail up to 1 year possible.

8. Authority & Administration

2527: Parks Manager (with Commissioner oversight) had main authority.
4859: Shifts to City Manager with broader delegated powers (permits, closures, enforcement, setting speed limits, signs, fees, etc.).

9. Public Gatherings & Commercial Use

2527: Needed Parks Manager approval for events, signs, sales, or loudspeakers.
4859: Centralized under permit system with clear rules, fines, and conditions for gatherings, performances, sales, or commercial filming.

10. Overall Style

2527: Shorter, simpler (1987 bylaw, about 12 pages).
4859: Much longer, detailed, with structured sections, consistent definitions, clear penalties, and integration with other City bylaws and provincial/federal legislation. It reflects modern municipal governance, environmental stewardship, and evolving recreation trends.

✅ In short:

2527 was a basic parks use bylaw for the 1980s, updated a few times.
4859 is a modern, comprehensive bylaw that addresses technology, environmental protection, enforcement clarity, and public safety with higher penalties and a permit-driven framework.
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