INNISFAIL -- A bylaw officer “did what was expected” in dealing with two recent street basketball issues, says the town’s chief administrative officer (CAO).
On Friday, Sept. 6, CAO Todd Becker said the town received a call regarding basketball being played amongst some parked vehicles in a residential area of Innisfail.
“The call reflected concern about damage to vehicles. So the bylaw officer attended the location and asked the participants to take the basketball hoop up into their driveway,” Becker told council during the Sept. 9 council meeting.
Adults that were present during the bylaw officer’s visit asked about another basketball hoop up the street, he said.
“The bylaw officer attended that location and asked the kids…to take it off the street when they were done,” said Becker.
When questioned by Coun. Gavin Bates about the reasoning behind the differing requests, Becker agreed it was because there was no concern over potential vehicle damage in the second case.
Coun. Glen Carritt broached the subject during the council meeting to follow up on comments circulating on social media.
Becker said he was aware of the social media comments but that they didn’t “line up with” the report from the bylaw officer, which was also confirmed by the protective services manager.
“Typical social media,” said Carritt. “It was the town came and made a decision that was not good. And I didn’t respond but I said I will ask about it and I will find out. I will personally follow up.”
Becker said no complaints were made about the handling of the situations through the town’s official complaint process.
“We didn’t get any complaints, just the stuff on social media which drew our attention. We don’t respond to those innuendos. But bylaw did what was expected,” said Becker.
