Public areas in city facilities to remain free from political causes

Cold Lake, AB – A recent council meeting held a debate around how the city can best maintain neutrality when it comes to the use of city facilities for political rallies, petitions, and similar events where the public is asked to support a cause or sign a petition.

“The conversation was sparked by the request to hold a petition signing by the doors and in the hallways of the Energy Centre,” said Mayor Bob Mattice. “When originally denied, the group then booked the Reid Field House to host a private signing event.” 

As the event had turned into a private booking, council said it would not need to debate the policy further. Council noted that there was a meaningful difference between a group setting up in a space that is open to the general public versus hosting an event with an open invitation for the public to attend. Council felt that such events would be acceptable, provided they are created in a way that allowed people to opt into the event, rather than target passersby or members of the public attending a city facility for other reasons.

“When you’re rushing to get the kids to hockey or figure skating, heading to the climbing wall, or just trying to get a workout in, you deserve a neutral, welcoming environment,” Mattice said. “You shouldn’t have to navigate a political gauntlet or feel pressured by canvassers just to use the Energy Centre’s amenities.”

Without a Council motion to explicitly take a side or stance on a topic, the City of Cold Lake remains a neutral party when it comes to issues outside of its jurisdiction.  These include petitions, and thus, common areas of city facilities and spaces that are accessible by the general public will remain free of canvassers.

“We cannot play favourites,” said Mattice. “Once we say yes, we set a precedent for other groups, regardless of the cause they are supporting. It is unfair to the public and a burden on staff to monitor.”

While no formal motion was made at the council meeting, elected officials agreed that city facilities will remain an open and neutral space for residents and visitors alike and that no changes were required to the facility policies at this time. 

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