What was dubbed a children’s freedom rally – fun day in the park, in Saskatoon last weekend,  stirred up questions regarding the city’s role in Public Heath enforcement.

At this week’s city council meeting, administration says protests or rallies are not required to take out a permit in Saskatoon parks. Lynne Lacroix, General Manager of Community Services says the right to peaceful assembly is a charter right, but parks usage bylaws do include sections on public safety.

However, Lacroix says the “Children’s Freedom Rally” this past Saturday would not have been issued a special event permit, had organizers applied, which they did not. She explains the rally would not have been able to demonstrate that they were in full compliance with public health orders.

As far as any enforcement with existing parks bylaws, Lacroix says there is delegated authority to implement and enforce in terms of actual park uses. However, she explains that would fall upon the police to then enforce, what she calls, any gross violations of the bylaw.

City Solicitor Cindy Yelland explains fines under the public health act are much higher than any fine that could fall under the city’s bylaws. She suggests the best avenue is working with the Saskatoon Police around enforcing those rules.