Clearview adopts behaviour policy for its facilities

Clearview council has adopted a Recreation Facilities Behaviour Policy for all of its arenas, halls, trails, parks, the pool and any other program operating on township property.

“Clearview Township Parks, Culture and Recreation Department regularly receives incidents that patrons have conducted themselves in an immoral and mischievous way at its facilities,” reported general manager Terry Vachon. “This policy deals with the bad behaviour that patrons may conduct themselves at Clearview Township’s recreation facilities and suspend their privileges in a four-stage method.”

Those in violation of the policy could face a suspension anywhere between two and 16 weeks. The most severe punishment is an automatic minimum 16‐week suspension that can only be lifted by council at the request of the offender after the minimum timeframe has passed. 

The policy applies to people of all ages and covers all activities held by or in Clearview Township’s recreation facilities, ranging from public skating to licensed events in the community hall. 

“The use of recreation facilities and equipment under this policy is considered a privilege and not an inherent right,” states the policy. “Therefore, privileges may be suspended and/or cancelled at any time by the general manager or by their designate whenever it is deemed that misuse or unauthorized use of the facility and or, equipment or if the mistreatment of another individual has taken place.”

The policy does not list specific behaviours that are unacceptable at township facilities. 

The policy was adopted at the March 18 council meeting, when Vachon said the policy does not supersede existing behavior policies in place by sporting organizations, such as Ontario Minor Hockey Association.

“It just gives us some teeth to deal with a situation if something arises,” said Vachon.