Melfort council approves policy to restrict access to city-owned facilities and land

Aug 11, 2026 | 4:31 PM

Melfort’s city council has approved the draft of a new Banning of Persons from City Facilities or Lands Policy.

The policy was constructed following several incidents in city-owned areas. One such incident at the Northern Lights Palace featured vandalism and youths attempting to sell drugs.

“The City of Melfort is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and respectful environments for residents, visitors, volunteers, and employees,” a report by Director of Community Services Rob Lok stated. “While most interactions within city facilities and public spaces are positive, situations occasionally arise where individuals engage in behaviour that jeopardizes the safety of others, disrupts public services, or damages city property.”

There had not previously been a policy that outlined the authority or process of banning people from city land or facilities. Lok’s report stated that the policy “is intended to provide clear guidance to staff while ensuring decisions are reasonable, proportionate, and procedurally fair.”

Some of the unacceptable behaviour outlined in the document include threats, property damage, theft, disruptive and disrespectful conduct, substance use, and actions containing significant safety risks.

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There is a formal appeals process included in the policy that allows those affected to request reconsideration of the ban, and Lok said in the report that it also allows each case to be assessed on its own merits.

Lok said responsibility for implementing and enforcing the policy rests with senior management at the City of Melfort.

Councillor Trent Mitchell echoed the thoughts of the rest of council during Monday’s meeting when he said that it’s a shame such a policy is needed. He added that it will likely be a living policy, with ongoing changes to deal with different situations, and is designed to protect facilities, employees, and residents.

Meanwhile, Councillor Rick Fettis said that council should be informed of the specifics of any bans, including length. Councillor Adrian Bourgeois said the policy should help user groups when they need to remove people from events.

Councillor Seth MacNaughton said there seems to have been an uptick in instances of disrespectful behaviour in and around city facilities, and that he’s heard comments from people that have felt unsafe at times.

Mayor Glenn George agreed, telling council that he was informed by a friend that there were people taking drugs at a local park, and that the overall situation is getting serious.

Council approved the draft unanimously.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Melfort council approves policy to restrict access to city-owned facilities and land

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