COUNCIL MEETING

July 29, 1997

03.01 DELEGATIONS

03.01 Ms. Linda Meyer re Parks Regulation Amending By-law No. 5600-1997 (Dress)

Ms. Linda Meyer was in attendance in opposition to the above noted by-law. She stated that she apologizes for the way she previously acted; she apologizes for her behaviour but not her words.

She noted that the By-law says that females over the age of eight years shall fully cover all portions of their nipples and aureole. She questioned if all by-laws require a Public Hearing, and if not, which by-laws do require a Public Hearing and which do not. She questioned how many readings are required to pass a by-law.

The Mayor advised that not all by-laws require a Public Hearing and that four readings are needed before a by-law is adopted. He offered to respond to all Ms. Meyer’s questions in writing or by telephone following the meeting.

Ms. Meyer noted that she had received a copy of the amending by-law but that the readings are not entered and it is not signed.

The Mayor advised that she will be provided with a signed copy of the by-law.

Ms. Meyer stated that she wishes to dispute her ticket for violating the Municipal by-law. She questioned why a fine amount was not written into the ticket. It says on the back of the ticket how to pay the fine but does not give an amount. It looks like an illegal ticket that will be quashed by the courts.

She further added that when she went to dispute her ticket she was told by the By-law Officer that the by-law is unenforceable.

The Mayor reiterated that all Ms. Meyer’s questions will be answered. Ms. Meyer responded that the Municipality will be dealing with her lawyer, noting that she will be going to court on August 19th.

Ms. Meyer stated that the Mayor seems to think her nipple is indecent and dirty. She questioned why she has to cover her nipple and he doesn’t.

The Mayor responded that it has to do with the standards of the Leisure Centre.

Ms. Meyer questioned what kind of standards are being referred to and if the Mayor is referring to decency.

The Mayor reiterated that Ms. Meyer should ask all her questions and state her concerns and they will be responded to. Councillor Baker agreed.

Ms. Meyer indicated that she felt that the Mayor was not letting her speak freely as is her right under Section 2 of the Constitution, noting she has been allocated 10 minutes for that purpose.

Ms. Meyer questioned why it is deemed that the female nipple violates decency standards and the male nipple does not.

She further questioned the meaning of "standards of decency", noting that the Maple Ridge Hotel has strippers, which is sexual exploitation. Also, there are adult video stores and book stores in Maple Ridge selling pornographic material and she considers that to be indecent.

Ms. Meyer stated that the Mayor accused her in an article in the News of wasting the taxpayers’ money. She feels that the Municipality and the RCMP wasted the taxpayers’ money, not her. She is exercising her constitutional right. Maple Ridge’s by-law violates Section 52 of the Constitution.

She reiterated that the By-law Enforcement Officer has told her the by-law is unenforceable. She cannot wait to see how crown counsel will enforce an unenforceable by-law. She hopes that the Municipality has more tickets to issue her as she will continue on with her actions. She has no intention of paying the fines.

She added that under the Constitution, every individual is equal under the law and questioned what part of that the Mayor does not understand. If he can go topless, so can she.

Ms. Meyer ended her presentation at this point