New Westminster’s ancient “sunset curfew” bylaw sets on city
Residents in New Westminster now have the freedom to roam after sunset without fear of being fined, now that an ancient bylaw has been repealed. Not that it was ever really an issue.
The city in B.C.’s Lower Mainland first introduced the Curfew Bylaw in 1903. It forbade residents from being outside after the sun had set. A whopping $1 fine was the punishment for anyone who broke curfew.
The bylaw was meant to deter teenagers from staying out late, though the city says no one has ever been issued a ticket.
New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Cote took to Twitter on Sunday before the bylaw was reviewed by city council. He wondered if citizens would finally have the freedom to stay out after sunset.
Will #newwest residents finally be able stay out after sunset? Repeal of 1903 Curfew Bylaw under review on Monday ???? pic.twitter.com/baY5146J7Z
— Jonathan Cote (@jonathanxcote) April 23, 2017
Unsurprisingly, the bylaw was repealed without opposition during Monday’s city council meeting. However, no one took to the streets after sunset to celebrate.
