The City’s curfew time has gotten stricter for youth under the age of 16 in Red Deer.

Council decided to change the curfew start time from 1 a.m. to midnight on Monday night. The curfew still extends till 6 a.m.

City administration advised council that very few people have been ticketed in the past (Red Deer has had a curfew bylaw since 1998), but it gives the RCMP an option when they find youths on the street late at night.

A first offence can result in a fine of $125 and up to $500 for further offences.

The curfew bylaw means youth 15 and under must be at home between midnight and 6 a.m. unless in the company of a parent or guardian over 18. There are exceptions which include youth volunteering, working or coming home from an event would not be charged.

Councillor Tara Veer says while they are changing the curfew by only an hour, “I think the change is important. This initiative was brought forward by a group of citizens frustrated with some of the activity in their neighbourhood. Even though it’s taken a long time I think it’s a testament as to how individuals and groups of citizens can make a positive difference.”

The changed curfew time stems from a proposal from the Northwood Estates Neighbourhood Watch Committee asking that the time be changed from 1 a.m. – 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Terry Lee Ropchan, chair of the Crime Prevention Advisory Committee, says they choose midnight because it fit better with City services and the timing of the last bus in the evening.

The curfew bylaw is incorporated in the City’s Community Standards Bylaw.

acryderman@reddeerexpress.com