Burstall council says some residents have crossed into harassment

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

BURSTALL – The Town of Burstall has issued a statement voicing its concern with increasing levels of nastiness aimed at elected officials and municipal staff among some members of the public. The issue came to a head at a recent council meeting.

In a phone call with Your West Central Voice Oct. 21, Mayor Colleen Bodnarchuk related that an issue was raised by a member of the public at the Sept. 8 council meeting regarding what was claimed to be a rescinded bylaw.

Bodnarchuk stated the point was revealed later to be moot, but she was also concerned about some public behaviour at the meeting. Bodnarchuk stated some members of a delegation were disrespectful, while members of the public in the gallery were also disrespectful.

The Town of Burstall also released an official statement about the incident. “Since 2024, council and administration have made significant efforts to respond to concerns, provide information and engage respectfully with residents,” stated the town press release. “Constructive criticism, differing opinions and public debate are an important part of local government and are welcomed by council.

“However, council is increasingly concerned that the conduct of a small number of individuals has crossed the line from legitimate disagreement into harassment, personal attacks and the dissemination of false and misleading allegations directed at council members and town staff. This behaviour not only disrupts council meetings and day-to-day municipal business, it is costing the taxpayers tax dollars for the town administration to address repeated allegations through emails, queries and other means.

“The Town has a legal responsibility to provide a safe, respectful, and harassment-free workplace for its employees and elected officials. Council will consider all available remedies necessary to protect its employees, elected officials and the integrity of municipal operations.”

The mayor noted that a concern arose over whether a certain bylaw had been rescinded; Bodnarchuk stated that upon investigation, it was revealed the bylaw in question, Bylaw 2007-103 (Dangerous Dog Bylaw), wasn’t rescinded as members of a previous council only passed a resolution to rescind it. The mayor pointed out provincial law requires a bylaw be rescinded the same way it was put into force, which is three readings. “Therefore Bylaw 2007-103 remains in force unless and until it is repealed through proper legislative process,” noted the town press release.

The mayor observed that town staff are currently going back through previous meeting minutes to examine whether or not this issue affected other bylaws, and she wasn’t sure how long this could take, but that the examination will be thorough.

Bodnarchuk reiterated that elected officials are open to and understand criticism, but personal attacks are not acceptable.

The full text of the Town of Burstall statement is available on the municipal website.