An Okotoks bylaw suggesting a 200-metre distance between adult-oriented businesses and those with conflicting interests passed first reading in the fall and Council is now seeking public feedback before it is presented for second reading this spring.
The bylaw is in response to public complaints regarding a smoke shop that opened last year next to Sylvan Learning Centre, Big Rock School, and Okotoks Montessori school.
Sharlene Brown, owner of Okotoks Montessori, said that parents of children at the preschool were “outraged” when the smoke shop opened, and have been concerned about the impacts on the school.
As it is written now, the bylaw would require adult businesses, such as casinos, smoke shops and adult entertainment stores, to maintain a buffer zone between various facilities including schools, daycares, recreation facilities and religious institutions.
The original information that was presented to council offered three options: 50 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres. Okotoks development officer Colleen Thome said those numbers were based off of what was taking place in other cities. An open house was held on April 16 for residents to voice their opinions on the bylaw, and Thome said most of the people who came don’t want adult entertainment businesses in Okotoks at all.
Brown said that the idea of banning adult entertainment uses altogether is ridiculous. “It’s part of our culture, we need to have what other towns have,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to make it worse, it didn’t make any other town worse. I don’t think they should be anywhere near a school, but other than that I think it’s fi
