On September 14, Bylaw 1753-09 (To Regulate the Hours and Operation for Certain Business Activities) was presented to Wetaskiwin City Council. If the bylaw is adopted by council, it will regulate:
- Pawn shop hours from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm,
- Liquor retail establishment hours from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm,
- Liquor off-sales hours from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; and,
- Liquor delivery services from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.
The City will be hosting a public open house on October 6 at 7:00 pm at the Memorial Centre to get feedback from the public and business owners.
66 comments
Paris says:
Sep 23, 2009
First, I would like to confirm that this restriction does not apply to lounges, bars and special events that sell liqour for in-house consumption? nEither way I am firmly against it. What would this accomplish other than imposing limits on small businesses, decrease the hours of people who work at these establishments to earn their living and further encourage people to travel out of town to spend money? Did we really think this through?
We Like Wetaskiwin says:
Sep 26, 2009
Paris, I think it is important that we don't shut down business. IF there is a correlation to the sale of product from Liquor Stores and the number of addicted persons downtown or on the outskirts, then we need to do a cost benefit. If we're paying staff (8 stores x 2 employees each x 6 hours x $10.00 per hour) that equates to a loss of $960 in revenue each day. However, if ONE person goes to hospital and or is picked up by police for being intoxicated in public, then we can blow that $960 for ONE persons "visit" to jail or the hospital. So, as a taxpayer, it's cheaper for me to pay the 16 employees to sit at home for $10 per hour than to incur the cost of taking care of the persons they may be enabling. Respectfully, there are two sides to the issue. Appreciate your comments.
Wetaskiwin Resident says:
Oct 6, 2009
We do not need a cost benefit analysis (and yours by the way is woefully incomplete). n nThis is a social problem and it can not be solved by restricting law abiding citizens and businesses.
Citizen says:
Sep 23, 2009
Why punish the guy thats just trying to make a living ? The problem is the ones that abuse the booze, Passing out all over town, stealing empty bottle to get money for more. That is the problem !
We Like Wetaskiwin says:
Sep 26, 2009
Citizen, we do appreciate your comments. As replied to Paris, the cost/benefit to our community needs to be examined. The question is…..Is it worth the price we're paying, to stay open just 2 – 6 hours later than we are now?
Mike J says:
Sep 24, 2009
This is ridiculous. The city has given these businesses the ability to operate in Wetaskiwin by issuing 8 business licenses. It is easier to restrict hours than it is to revoke a license I guess. n nThe City caused this problem by issuing licenses – pawn or liquor business. These businesses are not catering to the SMALL population of vagrants – there must be some other customers coming through the doors – otherwise they wouldn't be open so late. n nLimiting the hours of liquor stores doesn't give this population a place to live or rehabilitate them.
We like Wetaskiwin says:
Sep 26, 2009
There needs to be a public forum on this issue. There are two sides to every story and both need to be heard. Then, it's up to our City Mayor and Council to make the decision that is for the overall benefit of both the retailers, business community and residents. The important thing is that we all have an opportunity to express ourselves, not just for the sake of hearing ourselves talk, but to bring a solution to what the major issue impeding persons wanting to conduct business in this community is and the stigma it presents to those wishing to move here for personal or business reasons.
We like Wetaskiwin says:
Sep 26, 2009
Send these people a comment on the issue as well. They're the coalition and their email is wetaskiwincoalitionforchange@gmail.com
Paris says:
Sep 29, 2009
I'm sorry "We Like Wetaskiwin" I have to call your response to my comment rather heartless. There is much more at stake here than the simple economics of how much it is going to cost in taxes. I would like to echo the statement made by "Citizen" that it is important for people to be able to work to support themselves, and as "Mike J" said, the City issued the business licences for the number and location of liqour stores. This kind of political philosophy is too autocratic and rash for my level of comfort.
We Like Wetaskiwin says:
Sep 29, 2009
Pairs, the comments weren't meant to be heartless. In fact I think what the bylaw is considering is the heart in that it is trying to help people who can't help themselves. Addiction is exactly that. You wish something, however, have no control over it, so you need someone else to HELP you. n nRegarding the ability to work to support themselves I agree, people do need to do that. n nRegarding the issue of City licenses, this issue is about revisiting business hours, after seeing the impact they MAY be having on the community. It's about applying some limitation around the sales of a product that is known to addict and feed addictions. It's only about public order and we who would like to access these products ourselves being willing to put some restrictions on our convenience for the sake of the public good. n nThe point about the political philosophy held, well autocracy refers to despots or those with absolute authority. This issue is not about that at all. It's about people who care for a community willing to share their concerns and follow the DEMOCRATIC process of presentation, debate and decision. It's not about fighting, calling names and or 'pushing' an agenda. It's about bringing an issue forward in an orderly manner that concerns us all and providing a solution. So far, the only solution to dealing with the issue of vagrancy by addicted people in our community is the role back in hours of the retail outlets that sell addicting products. Another more effective solution would be welcomed indeed. n nThanks for your feedback.
Paris says:
Sep 30, 2009
Sorry We Like Wetaskiwin, you haven't convinced me. I would hazard the statement that there are many people in our community who have probelms (addictions or other issues) that impact all of us as a community. Some of them may be related to substance abuse, some are not. The proposed bylaw change limits the freedoms of all residents to control the behaviour of a very small few. That is what I call autocratic. Granted, the democratic process will prevail, but the proposal itself speaks volumes about the role this municipal government believes it is called upon to take. nI must say though, City Council has hit on a good issue to stimulate public involvement.
We Like Wetaskiwin says:
Sep 30, 2009
I agree Paris, there are other addictions that impact all of us. I don't think the Council has hit this to solely stimulate public involvement. I think that they are trying to do good, however, as we are all at a loss as to a solution…..at least it is something . We have to give them credit for trying for without that we might as well give up and like some communities, put bars on their windows and doors and close up shop. Just thinking about that……take a trip down Hastings St. in Vancouver! That is a street where people (the community) gave up……..and now……it's so bad no one wants it back!
BBB says:
Sep 30, 2009
I guess the liquor store in Millet is not all that far to travel to. Millet small business owners would be grateful.
Mike J says:
Sep 30, 2009
I would have no problem with the liquor stores closing at say 10 or 11. It appears that this is less about the vagrancy problem in town than it is a problem with the problems coming from these couple of stores that choose to stay open until 2am. Most people who are going to use the liquor store, aren't going to have to go there after 10 – at least I don't have to. n nRumor has it that councils/stores in Millet & Ponoka are willing follow suit with the Wetaskiwin hours. n n
We Like Wetaskiwin says:
Sep 30, 2009
Mike, I think this issue is about Wetaskiwin making a statement….publicly. We need to say we care about the issues of our community and we ALL want to do something about it. The requested hours change to 8PM is a huge deal. It will make that statement that we're all willing to sacrifice something, either monetarily or convenience or both. But….it will make a statement. We'll also try and counteract the statement that "our" locale newspaper made in the Edmonton Sun which they thought was newsworthy and our province should know about, "Wetaskiwin, crime capital of Alberta". Well….let's change that headline (and advise our newspaper). We need to do something and if we all help, we'll change our community image and….if your rumor is true….our neighbors will help us too. Neighbors caring for neighbors! What a neat statement to make.
Alberta says:
Oct 3, 2009
You are "bang on" "We Like Wetaskiwin"! My vote is for your thoughts. Wetaskiwin is joked about for the number of liquor stores and pawn shops it has and how these businesses are "vultures". Are people going to "drink" more if the stores are open later. If they are then lets go back to the govenment ALCB running the stores and closing at 6:00. Wetaskiwin you have an image, We Like Wetaskiwin is just trying to change this image. n nIf you want "flys" put garbage on your front steps. If you want vagrants and addicted people hanging around, then put booze on your front steps. Less booze, less vagrants. n n
Mike J says:
Oct 5, 2009
A very simplistic approach. The vagrants are not the people keeping these stores in business. n nNo problems with the by-law. I have a problem with the 'spin' put on this by-law. Most 'urban' municipalities have problems with vagrancy – although not many the size of Wetaskiwin. n nMunicipalities have come up with detailed plans & achievable goals to deal with the problem of vagrancy. If this is the first part of a bigger plan – so be it. If not the problem isn't going to leave simply because they cannot access expensive liquor.
wetaskiwintmrw says:
Oct 5, 2009
I think this is a very fair comment. To work, the Wetaskiwin Tomorrow plan has to be exactly this — a series of large, long-term goals that are supported by smaller goals that help us achieve what seemed impossible when we started. If one of the goal is to reduce vagrancy, is this bylaw a good first-step? What other steps would support it … or be a better idea?
as i see it says:
Jun 21, 2011
I don't think it is good for city council to dictate business hours in any type of business and I think it is anti-business and does not send a good message to future business in this town. Secondly, from my understanding, this bylaw was to curb vagrancy. I know firsthand, that the handful of God's children in this town who are labelled as vagrants are well plastered by early afternoon and are not using pawn shops or liquor stores and for that matter have nothing to pawn. On top of that, do the research in the history books and see who made our friends alcoholics, our forefathers, so if you feel the need to lay blame on vagrancy, maybe you could talk to your relatives. As far as I am concerned, I think alcohol should be banned and illegal. It would save billions of dollars each year on healthcare and save many lives. Maybe Wetaskiwin should aim to be the first alcohol free City, that would clean up the streets, the so-called vagrancy and the sad image of having a liquor store and pawn shop on every corner. It is a sad reality that these two industries probably make up almost 10% of the businesses in Wetaskiwin
Wetaskiwin Resident says:
Oct 6, 2009
We already put our garbage on our front steps thanks to our fancy garbage bins. n nThe blue blight of Wetaskiwin.
Pissed says:
Feb 1, 2010
What about the car lots ! You call liquor stores and Pawn shop vultures, Do you suppose selling cars was a good way to get apart of the money there is to spend coming in from Hobbema !
Jen S says:
Oct 19, 2009
We like Wetaskiwin…the statement that Wetaskiwin will be making is that council has yet again made another decision that the majority of us don't agree with,that addiction is cured by closing stores early,and that small business owners are not important.An important Wetaskiwin motto is "Shop local",not close doors early so we have no choice but to shop out of town.As for the crime rate…it will still be there after 8pm.
Eyes Wide Open says:
Oct 1, 2009
There's a public forum being held about this: n nOct 6, 2009 7 pm nMemorial Centre n nKnock yourselves out. ;-)
Mark says:
Oct 5, 2009
After reading all these posts on the closing of liquor stores at 8 pm. What exactly will this solve? If these vagrants have an "addiction" as you put it the closong early is not going to stop them from finding a way to aquire their booze. You can't help someone if they are not willing to help themselves, and what I've seen from a few of these people is that they are no hurry to find any sort of help even if it is offered to them. So making liquor stores close early will not solve your problem. I believe what it will do is cause more problems, because if push comes to shove and some of these people really need their fix they will turn to property crime and break and enter to get it, so now your policing and insurance costs will rise and economically it will cost us more.
Wetaskiwin Resident says:
Oct 6, 2009
We might see more break ins with the goal of stealing booze.
Wetaskiwin Resident says:
Oct 6, 2009
Why must law abiding people be penalized in a attempt to solve a problem? n nThe problem is not the pawn shops and liquor stores. n nThe problem will not go away, it will just move somewhere else. n nIt is a narrow minded attempt at a solution.
We Care says:
Oct 6, 2009
People with addiction problem, either alcohol or drugs, will not be able to make a rational decision. We, as a caring community, need to help them to move on and forward.
For alcohol problem, we may want to revisit the opening hours of the liquor stores; I, however, believe that there must be a boundary set for an alcohol addict, just like the boundary set on the sales of alcohol to the minors; the alcohol addicts should not be allowed to buy any alcoholic products, wherever and whenever. They should instead be referred to the professional helps.
There is a call for a by-law to ensure that the addictive individuals get help they need and stay under the professional care until they could live independently and be a valuable citizen who contributes to the growth of the society.
mark says:
Oct 7, 2009
store hours have no effect on whether or not an alcoholic will drink. I went through this once with a family member and until these people are willing to help themselves, you cannot help them. punishing people who actually use these establishments is not the answer. If you truly want to help these people then they need to be arrested and forced into rehab as they will not voluntarily go and as long as they are allowed to wander our streets they will find a way, criminal or not, to get what they crave.
Steven says:
Oct 6, 2009
I think Wetaskiwin needs to make a statement that we are about more than liquor stores and pawn shops. Most people who come through notice that there are plenty of both and definitely form an opinion. n nWhether this by-law works or not, or whether it causes more break-ins, is merely a red herring in this case – scare tactics by those who own these businesses. The City Council needs to be bold and make a statement about what type of City they want Wetaskiwin to be. Get this by-law in place and Wetaskiwin residents will thank you (and look back in future to say that this step was the first that helped to turn the situation around).
Mike J says:
Oct 6, 2009
Well I guess I should start forming opinions about:
Olds – 8 stores – population of 7500 ppl
Lacombe – 7 Stores – population of 10 – 12000 ppl
Stettler – 5 Store – population of 6000 ppl
The arguement of too many liquor stores is weak. Liquor stores need to get licenses from the provincial government (ALGC), then get a business license to conduct business in their jurisdiction. It should be the businesses responsibility to ensure that they are selling the booze to people who are not intoxicated.
Liquor Retail Operating Guidelines – http://aglc.ca/pdf/handbooks/retail_liquor_stores…
4.2.8 It is also the legal responsibility of all employees of the retail
liquor store to ensure that liquor products are not sold to
persons who appear to be intoxicated or under the influence
of drugs , which is suggested by:
a) a staggering or unsteady walking pattern;
b) lack of coordination;
c) disorderly appearance, bloodshot eyes;
d) slurred speech, alcohol on breath; or
e) an overly bold disruptive behaviour.
I think that there are enough guidelines in Liquor & Gaming Commission. Maybe some of their inspectors should come to town & try to clean up this mess.
wetaskiwin's home says:
Oct 6, 2009
After reading all of these posts, I've come to a couple of conclusions. 1) no one has come up with any other solution. You're saying this won't work, but what else do you propose. We all agree we have a problem. a select few are controling what is going on, yes, so how do we solve it? This by-law may not be the end all be all, but it is a start. 2) Council has gone out on a limb. This could end up causing some to not be re-elected next term, but, at least they are attempting something. If you attended the open house put on by the RCMP last winter at the Moose Hall when vagrancy was the hot topic, the police didn't have any firm answers either. nI don't know if closing early is the way to go, perhaps opening later is an alternative.
We Like Wetaskiwin says:
Oct 6, 2009
Thanks for your comments. Come to the meeting 7:00PM. There is still time to provide us with your solution. nAppreciate the dialogue.
Mike J says:
Oct 7, 2009
I think a combination of a few of the ideas would be a fit. n nFix up/fence nooks & cranny's where these people frequent downtown to sleep or 'other'. I would think that some better lighting would prevent people from hiding in these areas. If it was more difficult for them to be 'comfortable' they would probably be less likely to frequent certain areas. n nWhy do the banks all have card readers to get into the bank – yet none of them seem to work? n nWhy can't we utilize Alberta Sheriff's in town? Are they only mandated for highway use? n nWhile there was a large opinion from people who have a vested interest in the liquor store industry in tow such as an owner, landlord or employee I somewhat agree with them. Get some ALGC inspectors in here to check out the liquor stores. Licenses can be revoked as easy as they were awarded. n nMaybe a solution would be for the stores to voluntarily close at say 10 until the new year. Would give citizens time to adjust their lifestyles or the stakeholders to see if they are gong to be losing money. n n
wetaskiwintmrw says:
Oct 7, 2009
Well, we made the news: n nhttp://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/2… n
Gloria Rogers says:
Oct 8, 2009
Let's be honest. Wetaskiwin is a community suffering from addictions. Read When Society Becomes an Addict by Ann Wilson Schaef . She believes that addiction takes control of our lives, causes us to do and think things that are inconsistent with our personal values, and leads us to become more compulsive and obsessive.The violence in Aboriginal communities, is a direct outcome of pain and anguish, rooted in socio-economic occurrences,that is masked by alcohol and other addictions.In order to change our behaviour, we must be aware of how we are using our defence mechanisms and whether their use is working constructively or destructively. If using defence mechansisms has been destructive or ineffective, we must risk trying new ways of coping with the problems.
Cheryl says:
Oct 8, 2009
I like the proposed by-law. It's about time. Wetaskiwin has a bad name out there, I wonder why. n nWetaskiwin screwed up a long time ago allowing so many liquor stores, bars, & lounges open up. Look how many there are compared to the size of the city. What does that say about our city. Don't we want to clean it up, make a safer community for our children? n nThe ones complaining about it saying it's how they make their living – well HELLO. Doesn't say too much when the only businesses in town that last are the booze businesses. It's terrible. n nGet them off of main street and that goes for the gambling businesses as well. They don't need to be there. n n'Shop Downtown Wetaskiwin – Where you'll find a large selection Liquor outlets and Gambling Facilities. Right there for your convenience. Get Real!
Citizen says:
Oct 8, 2009
Lets not stop there. Remember top put the Lysol, Aqua Velva, Hair Spray behind the cashiers tills Too ! nOh gee we had better close the drug stores early also. We don't want those poor troubled souls drinking hairspray !We are only helping those that need help.!Lets just bring back prohibition. nlets just admit why this is in the works. And say why. Not this crap about people in need of help. NIce cover story.I am a citizen of Wetaskiwin , hard working , responsible and don't like the sound of being punished because of the unmentionables
Mike J says:
Oct 8, 2009
The Retail Guidelines for Operating a liquor store are available online. I believe most of the problems trying to be addressed by this bylaw can already be handled by using Provincial Guidelines & Provincial inspectors.
http://aglc.ca/pdf/handbooks/retail_liquor_stores…
4.2.8 It is also the legal responsibility of all employees of the retail
liquor store to ensure that liquor products are not sold to
persons who appear to be intoxicated or under the influence
of drugs , which is suggested by:
a) a staggering or unsteady walking pattern;
b) lack of coordination;
c) disorderly appearance, bloodshot eyes;
d) slurred speech, alcohol on breath; or
e) an overly bold disruptive behaviour.
4.2.10 If you know an apparently intoxicated person drove to the
liquor store, you should suggest they take a taxi and offer to
phone one.
4.2.12 If an apparently intoxicated individual leaves the store and
operates a motor vehicle, the licence plate number, make
and colour of vehicle and direction the vehicle is travelling
should be noted and the police called immediately.
4.2.13 Liquor stores should refuse to serve a customer who appears
to be buying liquor for a minor or intoxicated person. For
example, the customer was observed accepting money from
a person outside the store, especially if that person has
previously been refused service.
4.2.16 Liquor store operators should be aware that selling to a minor
or an intoxicated person is an offence under the Gaming and
Liquor Act and may result in a charge being laid by the police
against the employee and/or the licensee company.
We should use legislation already in place to try & deal with this problem.
mikeyargeau says:
Oct 9, 2009
Sorry Mike, I accidentally gave you a thumbs down. It was actually meant for the post right before yours.
Mike Yargeau says:
Oct 9, 2009
After reading alot of the posts on this subject it seems to me that there are alot of different angles to consider. One that makes sense is the post by Mike J, pointing out existing legislation. The problem is Mike is that the city would need some one full time just to enforce these rules and or guidelines. I'm not saying that we shouldn't do that. n
Mike Yargeau says:
Oct 9, 2009
What about the RCMP? What is their input? Someone brought up the idea of the sheriff's department being used to a greater degree. Someone pointed out that the police were at the open house last winter when vagrancy was the hot topic and that they didn't have any firm answers. THAT'S SCARY!! For Pete's sake ifthe police can't come up with any firm solutions then we are in serious crap. I know! How about arresting more people. Maybe that'll help until they CAN come up with a firm solution. After all the RCMP ( in my humble opinion) are the ones most capable of coming up with a solution to the problem. nIt's unfortunate that a few of the comments on this subject are more self serving than helpful to the community of Wetaskiwin as a whole. Some are right over the top and should be removed from this thread as they are at best…racist. n
CityGirl64 says:
Oct 9, 2009
City Council could make Wetaskiwin dry for all it mattered and there would still be problems. For crying out loud, Hobbema is a dry reserve and duh, everyone, there is more drugs and alcohol out in Hobbema than in Wetaskiwin. The problem is the screwed up dysfunctional alcoholics who don't go for help, run businesses in our community and contribute to the family violence issue in our community. There isn't a school in Wetaskiwin that doesn't have a percentage of students from good families (no race comments at all) who can't send their children to school on time because they are drunk in the morning. Or hats off to the drunk speeders in the middle of the afternoon (which aren't the marginalized because they don't own cars) whipping through the school zones with double the legal limit in their BAC. Honestly wake up, we are a small community with a large drug and alcohol problem. n n
Gloria R says:
Oct 9, 2009
WOW! These comments are great! Keep them coming! Being responsible for what is going to make your life better this is a great start! The community needs to rally and say were done. I no Wetaskiwin has hit rock bottom. It's time to rebuild to be strong and say we're not going there anymore and get rid of all the negative attitudes. Wetaskiwin is ready to go into a treatment plan. Then a well monitored aftercare plan. It can be done! Watch the video on the Alkalie Band in Williams Lake B.C. There amazing!
Nicole says:
Oct 13, 2009
Maybe the problem at hand is actually caused by the fact that the city has approved liquor store after liquor store and bar after bar. nAs well I know of one liquor store in town (not going to say which one) where I have sceen drunks (vagrants) go stubling in and come out with more booze, now I may be wrong but isnt that illegal???
Nicole says:
Oct 13, 2009
I meant to say seen, and stumbling
guest says:
Oct 13, 2009
we need m0re st0res n0t m0re beer st0res seri0usly
wetaskiwintmrw says:
Oct 16, 2009
Hi. n nFirst, thanks for all the comments on this topic and the others. It's been certainly helpful to get so many varied opinions on how to create a more sustainable Wetaskiwin. n nThings are getting a little bit heated up in here – which is good, but only if it leads to some productive discussion and ideas. To keep things from going too far off the rails, I decided to go back and take edit out a couple of the personal accusations being made in the forum. n nThe purpose of this forum, the website and the entire Wetaskiwin Tomorrow initiative is to generate innovative ideas for the City on how to handle its various challenges and take advantage of its unique opportunities. We would like to keep the dialog as open and candid as possible and, I think, for the most part we have kept a lot of comments up that would have been deleted by many other municipalities. But when the attacks get too personal, it not only gets into potential legal issues, but it's also completely useless in terms of making a better Wetaskiwin. n nPlease, if you see something that you think is racist, sexist, potential libelous or anything else that make you uncomfortable on this website, leave a comment, send me an email (lwarren@wetaskiwin.ca) or phone 780-361-4416. n n- luke
CityGirl64 says:
Oct 16, 2009
Best thing of the forum on Tuesday night were the lies … [edited by admin] n nIt’s time for the RCMP and the rest of us to call in imparied drivers and public drunks even if it is a relative, a business person in the community or a friend. Step up to the plate instead of hiding under it. Wetaskiwin’s council could make this community dry, it wouldn’t make a difference. Alcoholics and addicts can get what they want when they want.
Andrea says:
Oct 9, 2009
Do you know for a fact that this man was drunk? I really don't think you do. So what this person went to the legion…Last time I checked its the legion is a place to sit, eat, visit and yes have a drink. You seem to think you know awhole lot about nothing.
citygirl64 says:
Nov 3, 2009
Yes, Andrea I spoke to this person personally and I am not ignorant to being able to identify the smell of alcohol.
jenlana says:
Nov 3, 2009
Did you know, however, that if you call in an impaired driver, that person has the right to know who accused them of being impaired? That certainly doesn't make it a very appealing option to me. I'm sorry, but the last thing I want or need is for someone to seek revenge for me "ratting" them out.
Citygirl64 says:
Nov 3, 2009
No, Jelana you will not get discovered if you call the RCMP to report impaired driving, drugs, drug sales, a drug house, or anything such as that. You subsequently can't be 'ratted' out by CFSA (children's services) if you call in child neglect and abuse. You have a right to call in these things and have your anomynity maintained. Trust me, I know first hand.
jenlana says:
Oct 19, 2009
These people don't care which form of alcohol they get. Sure, beer and liquor may TASTE better than Listerine or Aqua Velva, but they all contain alcohol, which is what these people are after. They are awake early in the morning to go collect bottles to enable them to purchase whatever form of alcohol they can afford. On a good day, this will be a liter of 11% Axehead beer. On a bad day, it's a bottle of hairspray. The end result is the same. They cause very few, if any, problems after early evening, as they are already down for the count. As someone who has struggled with addiction, I am of the belief that in order to overcome a compulsion, you have to WANT to, and it ususally comes down to desperation, in one form or another. Even though crack is illegal, and therefore should be unavailable for purchase, there are still crackheads. Will closing liquor stores early solve any problems of alcoholism within our city? It's doubtful.
Jason says:
Oct 19, 2009
you hit the nail on the head Jen
Concerned Citizen says:
Oct 30, 2009
Perhaps Mr. Richards summed it up best as “Greed.” nI almost missed the City Forum held Tuesday, October 6, 2009, but I am glad I attended. But I must say I was very upset at the manner in which the citizens challenging the proposed bylaw presented themselves. Firstly, they produced no legitimate remedies to the liquor and pawn shop problems we have in our city. Secondly, their only recourse was to badger, bastardize and ridicule those who genuinely care about our community. Hats off to City Council Members, for not being coerced into the juvenile actions and argument lead by liquor store and pawn shop owners. I sincerely praise your professionalism to remain seated and to not respond to the ridiculous accusations presented. I firmly believe that the City Council Members care about our City and I praise them for a job well done. I know their heart is in the right place. nI was very impressed with the presentation provided by Mr. Anderson, as the group he represented must have dedicated countless hours of work and research to provide the facts. I also recognized that Mr. Anderson and the named members of the Wetaskiwin Coalition for Change are representing themselves as concerned citizens and not the businesses for which they are employed. Mr. Anderson was heckled prior to his presentation, and later ridiculed by members of this community for which I and my associates have lost all respect for. Congratulations Mr. Anderson on a job well done. You held your composure though I am certain the personal comments had impact. Your passion and dedication toward providing a safer and more respectful community is inspiring and appreciated. You are truly a leader in our community. nOf course the circus did not stop here. Once more an excellent presentation was provided by Inspector Zablocki – which was not acknowledged by the representatives from the liquor and pawn businesses. During the citizen forum, our Inspector was also tormented and ridiculed. I am confident the majority of citizens in attendance, did witness an attempt by concerned citizens of Wetaskiwin, their City Council and the local RCMP, trying to clean up the problems this City has been infected with for years. I salute Inspector Zablocki for remaining professional and holding his composure. Again, he was not subdued to the fool heartiness of the store owners and supporters. A true leader in our community. nDoes no one question why other communities have grown and Wetaskiwin remains dormant? nDoes anyone know, that as a business owner or manager, it if very difficult to find any quality applicants that are firstly willing to work in Wetaskiwin and worse yet, consider residing here? nDo our defiant citizens and business owners know how much work the City of Wetaskiwin and it’s Council have done to spear head business in our fair City and how hard they work to build our image, which continues to be destroyed by greed? Yes Mr. Richards said it best. So what about the badgering and ridicule he received. I commend Mr. Richards for setting the record straight. I am proud to have him as a peer in our community but I had to hang my head in shame considering the manner in which he was treated. Again, another leader in the community that has been bastardized. nYes, there was opposition to the proposed bylaw – but businesses do not run the community or the City – people do. That is the problem with Wetaskiwin. Land barons and business owners have dictated to the City as to what they want and how things will be. Well I say it is time Wetaskiwin Council took a stand and did what is best for the City of Wetaskiwin. The facts have been presented and a case has been built. I question as to where the strong opposition went following the meeting. There were not gathering to converse or have a coffee. They were not sharing ideas or thinking in a forward motion. They exited the hall expediently. Perhaps for a drink. All talk and no action. Yet low and behold, I did witness a tomato being thrown at Mr. Andersons vehicle. How juvenile an act this is, and again confirms who I will do business with in this community. n n nConcerned Citizen Supporting Change n
Concerned Citizen says:
Oct 30, 2009
Further, I now understand why business has suffered so greatly in this community. When the pushing, shoving, ridicule are presented at forums such as these, citizens who support the mandate will not speak. Why you may ask – because they are threatened. Their freedom of speech has been taken away, and I am confident that some of these people likely had family who also died in the war. I wanted to badly to speak in support of this bylaw, but I was fearful of not so much being ridiculed or heckled, but feared for my family’s safety; now that is sad. I have family who have also died at war, for our freedom of speech, for which I have none. If I am not able to feel comfortable in speaking to these businesses, how in the world can I patronize them. Leaving the meeting I finally understood the existence of suffering business in Wetaskiwin. As I had decided to not to support certain individuals and business in this community due to my lack of trust, likely other members of our community have had the same revelation. The end result is these intimidating businesses and business people are forced to have their services open till ridiculous hours to accommodate other than the law abiding citizens of Wetaskiwin. n nI find it hard to believe that liquor stores do not serve intoxicated customers. You can’t tell me that in serving off sales liquor at 12:00 am to 2:00 am is not made to intoxicated people. Do these liquor venues have breathalysers to validate their statement? Did one of our liquor stores recently have an individual steal a bottle of liquor and run from the premises? Did the employee of the liquor store not give chase, only to be stabbed when rounding a corner? Yet this liquor store owner continues to push for longer hours while jeopardizing her staff’s safety. Yes folks, it is greed. nWas it a number of years ago, when a cab driver was killer due to liquor delivery on the reserve? Yet the owner stated he and his company has gone without incident over the last 17 years. Was he not on the news in the last couple of years, regarding a story in which one of his drivers was beat up? Again – no incident. nPawn shop owners do not contribute to the crime and addiction problems in Wetaskiwin? Yes, they have members who bring in merchandise so they can afford formula and milk – What is wrong with this picture??? Is there perhaps not a problem in the home causing this activity? What a load of crap. nHave liquor store owners considered how much in tax dollars our RCMP members collect for alcohol related incidents. If 75% of calls are alcohol related and the majority of incidents occur from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am – what the hell are we doing. I can tell you right now, that I am not prepared to continue to have my tax dollars being utilized to fund some greedy liquor store business because of the problem they are causing. Our taxes are already one of the highest in the province. I have no problem paying them for a quality of life, but like many of you, I am not living that quality of life here in Wetaskiwin, at least not just yet. nI am confident that the majority of citizens in our community feel the same way. So here is a thought. Perhaps Liquor Store and Pawn Shop owners should pay an increased cost for their annual business license. Further, their tax bill should also be increased – to offset the cost of the problem they are creating. Further, these business must participate in at least one community minded group or activity and forced to belong to the Chamber of Commerce. Not being involved in the community or community events is one common thread amongst the business owners and forcing involvement may take them from the sheltered life they lead. Belonging to the Chamber of Commerce, will enhance that involvement and provide an opportunity for these businesses to learn about business successes and strengthening the community – which I have learned by being a member. If this is not acceptable to the business owners and they decide to close the doors, this may be the best thing to happen in our community. We have too many liquor stores and too many pawn shops considering our population. If there was no money in these businesses, people wouldn’t be in them. It is time these businesses resign from feeding on the week and harvesting the addicted. Wetaskiwin has a lot of wonderful things going for it, but road blocks such as these will continue to hold us back. I commend City Council for unanimously voting on the proposed bylaw during the first reading and wish them equal success for the second and third. I am confident the right decision will be made. n n nConcerned Citizen Supporting Change n
wetaskiwintmrw says:
Nov 20, 2009
this came in an email:
“I read the letter, i went to the meeting and will be at the next one, i read the article in the paper, really no mention at all by anyone why the pawn shop hours of operation are being reduced, some of the very ignorant are cutting my hours as an employee, and i think i'm at least entitled to an explanation, i bet you'd want one!!
i understand, see and have 2 deal with this issue, guaranteed a lot more then most. I was just hoping one of you trying to push this by-law could seem to come up with the courage to tell me why your cutting my hours, of course how ever i do not expect a response after as stated at the meeting in October how they did research online even studied statistics in Australia and even New Zealand, but did not talk to a single business owner in Wetaskiwin which this bylaw effects, does this make sense to anybody? So if anyone of you can come up with the brains or the balls to give me an answer it would make going with out a little easier for me and the lives you are trying to ruin. "
Concerned Citizen says:
Nov 21, 2009
Rather than point a finger, why don't you do some investigation on your own. You are obviously upset, and the challenge put forth by yourself will not welcome a response. Quite frankly, all those in the liquor and pawn business will be effected, not just yourself. Other communities will be following this direction led by Wetaskiwin, which is long overdue. This is a level playing field for all those related in these businesses and not singling out an individual. Life is what you make it. It will not come to you on a silver platter, you have to go out and take it. Better yourself, look for further education and opportunities. Good luck my friend, and I wish you well.
NWT says:
Nov 21, 2009
I have been observing this issue from afar. I find it interesting that there is only one solution being offered and yet those opposed to the proposed bylaw do not offer any alternative solutions, which would require effort. My hat goes out to Bill Anderson and his group for trying to bring about positive change.
Read Only says:
Nov 23, 2009
I'm sure it's been said before but in many jurisdictions liquor retailers close at 8pm or even earlier. In many cases a community the size of Wetaskiwin would have only one retailer and that would be owned by the provincial government. Some communities even have a total ban on alcohol. I think that the perceived negative impact on business will be temporary as people adjust to the change.
Pawn shops are a different matter and I'm not convinced that limiting their hours makes a difference. By grouping them in with this bylaw and calling it a community standard is questionable. If that is the case then you should also include bingo halls, lounges, bars, restaurants and any establishment offering VLTs or other gambling. Perhaps even drug stores.
I think if Wetaskiwin really wants to change its image from liquor stores and pawn shops they should look at limiting the number of these business in city limits. If the number selected by council (probably on a per capita basis) is currently lower than the number of business in town then no new establishments receive a license to operate. If a business closes its doors then a new one cannot replace it until the total number of related business falls below the predetermined number. If that starts happening though, it might reflect a change in our society (that these business are no longer sustainable) that is not likely to happen.
@buck75 says:
Nov 24, 2009
People like Darlene Clayton are not helping this. I hope she was mis-quoted because if she is really going to lose $40000 a month because of this by-law then I agree something needed to be done.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Wetaskiwin+sh…
Quoting a manager from Siding 16 is irrelevant, I don't think they were open until 2am. Maybe they have to close 2 hours earlier….
It is a sad state when people like Mr Anderson have to step forward with suggestions on how to improve the City. The TD bank has had a handful of managers in the past 15 years. They are residents while they have a job here.
Hopefully this helps lower our property taxes. Without all of the problems the booze causes, we should need less RCMP members. Seeing how the City pays the RCMP, maybe we could save some $ on our taxes.
Bobby N says:
Nov 27, 2009
WELL BUCK 75…FOR THE MOST PART I AGREE.. It certainly is a sad state of affairs when a short term resident such as a bank manager promotes a bylaw,that for sure restricts the normal operation of the marketplace .. He will Transfer tosome other place and we will be left to deal with the results of his actions.. I wonder how many Liqyor outlets or Pawn Shops
deal at the TD Bank now ?? We as citizens Of Wetaskiwin must face the true facts , that no matter what actions are taken by either the people of or city council of Wetaskiwin this Problem is here to stay ..I moved here in 1963 and it has only if anything got worse ..
Our City council has got us so far in debt with their grandious City Hall and Water Tower And New Heavy equippment and trucks that We as taxpayers and residents will probably be looking at another tax increase just to pay their bills .. More businesses keep closing , and some people have just gaven up an moved away.. I guess you can"t really blame them
WILLIAM DESCALCHUK says:
Jan 16, 2010
THE PEOPE OF THIS CITY OF WETASKIWIN NEED TO GET TOGETHER AND GET RID OF THIS CITY COUNCIL. THE NEXT ELECTION IS COMING IN NO TIME AND THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY TO LET THESE CLOWNS KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE. TOO MUCH MICRO MANAGING AND NO VISION FOR THE FUTURE.. GET YOUR BUTTS OUT AND VOTE, TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, HAVE THEM TELL EVERYONE AND LET THIS CITY COUNCIL THAT WE DO NOT REQUIRE THEM ANYMORE…. WE CAN DO IT….
WILIAM DESCALCHUK.. RESIDENT
Guest says:
Jan 18, 2010
Okay….time to get rid of this…..it's old news and this page is becoming 'dated'. Keep it fresh…..there was good news in Wetaskiwin on Friday that should have supplanted this!
Guest says:
Jan 23, 2010
The good news would be?
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Jan 4, 2012
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