Graffiti increase leads Elk Point Bylaw Officer to remind public about youth being out late

A previous standing bylaw in Elk Point is getting a lot of attention because many residents didn’t know it existed. 

Elk Point Bylaw Enforcement reminded residents online that under their public places bylaw no child 16 years old or under is allowed in public unsupervised by a parent between 10:00 pm-7:00 am. 

There are fines attached to these infractions of $100 on the first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses handed out to the parents, but Bylaw Officer Michael Niesen is looking to educate residents – some of which were not aware that the bylaw existed when posted online on Wednesday. 

Niesen said the reminder was put out there because of an increase in graffiti and a higher prevalence of kids playing on the playgrounds late or biking around. It’s also meant to keep kids safe. 

“Currently, I conduct more night patrols because of vandalism, graffiti, and property damages in order to help support RCMP,” Niesen told Lakeland Connect. 

“There are several properties, especially the Canada Day Stage which was targeted three to four times this year already. It was painted over again, and there’s new graffiti showing up, as well as other properties that we’ve had.

“The playgrounds have been trashed as well. And graffiti has been placed around there too. We want to make sure that if there are younger children playing in those areas we don’t have beer cans or anything else there too. That’s why we do more night patrols right now. To make sure that one we get those who are responsible for the property damages and then to protect the children.” 

Niesen said he’s also seen kids 13 and younger biking around with no helmets or without the proper lights to be seen at night, which creates a safety issue. 

The bylaw came in front of council on August 8th where a motion was made to revisit it at the end of September. 

“Our main goal is to educate people and public safety,” said Niesen. “We don’t want to issue fines. We want to make sure that the children are safe.

“If kids want to play outside when it’s curfew hours, as long as they have a parent with them, I have no issues with it.”