Crowd gathers for chain store public hearing in Banff

A packed council chambers in Banff played host to a public hearing last Thursday (Jan. 31) concerning one of the more heated topics affecting the small mountain town – whether quotas should be put in place to regulate the number of chain stores.

Banff council passed first reading of proposed bylaw 314 this past September, which would create a quota system to control corporate or formula-based chain stores and restaurants in town.

As part of first reading, council was required to hold a formal public hearing before the issue is brought back at the next meeting on Feb. 25. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Alberta Banff bylaw Canmore death solicitor general

Death triggers safety review for bylaw officers

The death of a 62-year-old peace officer near High River earlier this month has triggered Alberta’s solicitor general to conduct a safety review to determine whether or not bylaw officers should carry firearms.

However, local bylaw supervisors indicate officers in the Bow Valley may not need to carry such weapons since situations involving violent subjects don’t often occur.

A retired Mountie with 35 years of experience, Foothills peace officer Rod Lazenby died on Aug. 10 after investigating a dog complaint at a property near Priddis. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.