It appears a bylaw that would prevent outlaw motorcycle gangs from fortifying buildings in Wellington County will finally be approved.
The issue has been dragged through committees and meetings since 2003, but Centre Wellington council approved the latest draft on Monday at its committee of the whole meeting.
Building Inspector Bob Foster told council that building inspectors across the county had concerns about enforcing such a bylaw alone against an outlaw motorcycle club.
He said there were changes to the bylaw and building inspectors now appear satisfied. He added the bylaw will be “reactively enforced” rather than “proactively.”
That means once such fortifications are up, police and the municipality will force people to take them out. Building inspectors will not have to issue stop work orders during construction.
Foster said the police wanted the bylaw as “a tool to put into our toolbox,” when it comes to dealing with bikers.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj thanked Foster, and said his leadership had helped in reaching an agreement.
“The bylaw’s out there to pass,” she said.
Foster said he believes all councils in the county will now approve it.
