The City of Belleville is following the lead of several other Ontario cities by implementing a policy to promote a respectful, safe and supportive environment
The RZone policy is in response to a noticeable rise in inappropriate behaviour at various locations around the city in recent years, including City Hall, the library and the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.
Director of Community Services Dean Hustwick says the strategy supports a zero-tolerance behaviour policy.
“And not only will it provide guidance to staff, it will also provide us with a good marketing tool in terms of the RZone that has been used in many other municipalities, to share that, market it and educate members of the public of what is appropriate behaviour and if they breach those expectations what they may have to face in terms of sanctions.”
The policy includes repercussions for inappropriate behaviour ranging from verbal warnings to short or long term bans from city properties to police involvement.
Councillor Tyler Allsopp welcomes the policy which was first adopted by the Town of Oakville.
“And so I think by having this policy in place, it’s going to do a great job of keeping everybody, both staff and members of the public and elected officials, safer and feeling more comfortable.”
Click here for a link to the policy.
