The battle over a proposed neutrality bylaw in a small Alberta community is pitting a citizen group that opposes coloured crosswalks and non-government flags against a council that says “inclusive initiatives” are important for the town to flourish.
The campaign over the proposed “Crosswalk and Flag Bylaw” in Westlock is heating up ahead of a Feb. 22 plebiscite as some elected officials face off against the Westlock Neutrality Bylaw Petition group.
Westlock’s town council was forced to deal with the issue after the group presented a petition with about 700 signatures calling for a bylaw. At a Nov. 27, 2023, council meeting, it was decided to put the issue to a plebiscite, scheduled for Feb. 22.
Stephanie Bakker with the petition group told The Epoch Times that the mayor and council have been trying to encourage residents to vote against the bylaw.
“They’re very much doing everything in their power to convince the people that they don’t need to remain neutral,” she said.
“Westlock Town Council is encouraging our residents to Vote NO on February 22nd - rejecting the proposed ‘Crosswalk and Flag Bylaw’ that stands in opposition to inclusive initiatives within our community,” a statement on the GoFundMe page said.
The statement, said to be from Mr. Kramer and the town council, says there could be an economic impact if the bylaw passes.
“It will most certainly have a negative impact on our ability to attract investment and key professionals to our community,” it says.
“If we want this community of ours to flourish—to feel safe and welcoming for everyone—to attract investment and development—to retain physicians and skilled professionals—then a proactive approach to inclusion is the only way forward.”
The fundraising page says the money will go toward mailers, social media, and signage. Any left over will be “donated directly to building Westlock’s first Inclusive playground.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Westlock’s mayor, councillors, and chief administrative officer but did not hear back by publication time.
“There’s also deep economic implications in having a bylaw like this on the books. It would most certainly have a negative impact on our ability to attract investment and key professionals to our community,” he said.
Ms. Bakker says the council is using fear tactics by claiming the neutrality bylaw will hurt the town’s economy.
“We feel that their overreaction towards this proves the need for a neutrality bylaw from our government. They’re just proving more and more why this is needed.”
She said she doesn’t think the council is behaving illegally but questions the ethics.
“They’re doing everything in their power to make sure that the bylaw to be neutral is voted down,” she said. “And they’re dangling a playground in front of people’s noses to incentivize them to vote the way they want. This lack of public servant attitude here is appalling.”
