City bylaw:

Mother told “no kids playing in the street!”

An Aylmer mother was surprised to learn children are prohibited from playing on her street.

Kerry Mulvihill found this out in early May when a few kids were playing basketball in front of her Aylmer home, and a neighbour complained.

“The noise was bothering her,” reported Ms Mulvihill, who lives in Deschênes on Guilford-Booth Street, where, she says, “every fourth house has a basketball net.”

Ms Mulvihill later called police to enquire. “They told me it is against the law for children to play in the streets in Gatineau, and if the neighbour called back I would receive a ticket,” she told the Bulletin. The city referred her to Article 32 of city Bylaw 300-2006.

This article prohibits any object or materials blocking vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist traffic without a permit.

 

“I’m sure Aylmer families are unaware their children cannot play on the street,” noted Mulvihill.

The city told the Bulletin that, in most cases, police simply ask children to play elsewhere if they interfere with traffic or are in danger.

“Tickets are rare. And a ticket cannot be issued to a person under 14,” added the city spokesperson.

So Ms Mulvihill then asked the youths to play in her backyard, but it borders the complainer, who again called the police.

“Our kids play basketball and skateboard on the street because there is nowhere else,” insisted Mulvihill. “They say children need more fresh air and less screen time, yet we create nowhere for them to go. There’s a park -- for young children, not teenagers.”

The city says it encourages activity through programs, activities and camps across the city -- the 5/30 Health and Wellness Challenge, the Semaine de Gatineau, park activities, etc. The Accès Gatineau card also allows residents to participate in other activities.

Councillor Richard Bégin said he is concerned. “Why was this rule even put in place? There are rules which are not enforced until someone complains -- but then our officers must act,” he told the Bulletin. “I have not read the law yet, but I know that Guilford-Booth is not a busy street.”

Katherine Janson, a director with ParticipACTION, said “I’m sure this by-law in Aylmer is to protect kids, but we need to consider if regulations designed to prevent injury have become excessive, to the extent that they limit rather than promote children’s physical activity and health.” 

Last year’s ParticipACTION Report Card noted that outdoor play is essential for healthy childhood development. “We do need to let the sails out a little,” she added. “Long-term health should be valued as much as safety. Sometimes, adults need to get out of the way and just let kids play.”