Public spaces bylaw passed by Edmonton city council includes fines for drug use, panhandling

February 25, 2025 Canuck

A contentious revamp of Edmonton’s public spaces bylaw was unanimously passed by city council Tuesday.

The city is combining three public spaces bylaws into a unified bylaw that spells out clear enforcement strategies to regulate behaviour in public spaces.

Some of the most divisive aspects of the bylaw include rules around fines for acts like spitting, panhandling, visible drug use and loitering in transit spaces.

Fines for some offences can range from $25 to $1,000

“Like other major municipalities, Edmonton manages over 250 bylaws, ranging from business licenses to annual tax levies. Today, we consolidated three major bylaws – Parkland, Transit and Public Places – some of which date back nearly 65 years,” says Michelle Plouffe, chief people officer and city solicitor, in a news release on Tuesday.

Some members of the business community have said they were in favour of the bylaw due to safety concerns. But many advocates for those experiencing homelessness said the most vulnerable members of society will be further victimized.

“It’s keeping the status quo, if you will, of the old bylaw,” said Judith Gale, leader of outreach group Bear Claw Beaver Hills House, in an interview with CBC.

“It does not give our brothers and sisters any reprieve from the cold,” Gale said, adding that the rules show a lack of consideration for how extreme weather conditions impact those who lack secure housing.

Christopher Martins with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce said the new rules will help address safety issues faced by business owners and consumers.

list — Fines for some offences under the City of Edmonton public spaces bylaw can range from $25 to $1,000 (City of Edmonton)

“As a chamber, we viewed this as one of many policy tools that will help improve public safety,” said Martins, in an interview with CBC.

“We think that the public spaces bylaw that was approved hits those marks, and now the next part will just be implementing it.”

Gale was one of over 50 speakers who attended a community and public services committee meeting on the bylaw in early February.

That meeting saw strong pushback to the bylaw from harm reduction, protest and community groups.

“Our elderly, our youth, our families … once a person becomes disenfranchised or displaced from centres, where are they to go?” Gale said.

The city said it wants to simplify the legal framework of the bylaw and eliminate redundant or confusing provisions.

The public spaces bylaw comes into effect on May 12.

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