It looks like the sidewalk clearing bylaw in North Battleford could be up for another review.
Councillor Brad Pattinson said he would like to see a review done of the bylaw, as "there's a few issues in it I'd like to discuss."
At issue for Pattinson appears to be the clause in the bylaw on snow removal times, after which the City is able to proceed with cleaning up the snow and sending the bill to the businesses. Pattinson says the provisions are unfair.
"The City, with that clause, becomes the police force, the judge and the jury," said Pattinson.
Pattinson noted most bylaws have a fine levied if there is a contravention, but North Battleford doesn't do that, he added.
"The only appeal process a resident has is to us," said Pattinson, who said bylaw enforcement officers will have too much power to determine what is too much snow.
"I want us to rethink how we do that."
Councillor Trent Houk also wanted to see a review done of the bylaw, as "we might be able to apply it more effectively. Instead of just going in and invoicing somebody, we could be actually fining them."
He said fines might be more effective in getting people to comply with the bylaw.
Councillor Grace Lang also welcomed a review to make sure the bylaw works the way it was intended. She added it was going to come up again anyway since it is "the snow time of year."
Lang did note, however, that keeping the area in front of a business clear of snow is part of "the cost of doing business."
