A resolution on a request by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70 to waive street closure fees has been tabled to the next council meeting.
The resolution before the floor had called for the request to waive fees to be turned down. But councillors decided to put off that vote until the next meeting.
The motion to table was made by Councillor Trent Houk, who said he didn't have enough information before him to come to a decision.
The issue erupted at council Oct. 28 as a result of a parade held Oct. 19 to commemorate the opening of the legion's provincial convention in North Battleford.
The local legion was granted the street closure, and barricades were put up to accommodate a parade of veterans down a route that extended from 15th Street up 100th Street, with the parade then extending down 13th Avenue and then turning at 97th Street to make its way to John Paul II Collegiate where the opening ceremonies were held.
The Legion is now requesting the City waive all charges for closing the street. The costs are a $25 administration permit fee, $311.44 overtime labour costs and $80 equipment costs.
Public Works Director Stewart Schafer noted on Remembrance Day there were no charges for similar parades by the veterans because the day was in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Legion Branch No. 70 president Bill MacDonald, who spoke at the meeting, indicated that in fact his organization was told it would be on the hook for the entire amount.
"We were told we will be invoiced for every barricade, for every man hour," said MacDonald.
He also made clear his disgust with the motion to turn down the legion's request for a waiver.
"We had people marching in that parade who were over 90 years old. You want to charge them?" said MacDonald.
In the end Houk proceeded with a motion to table until more information was provided, saying "consistency is what we've been trying to push for across the board at all levels of the city."
The issue is expected to come up again at council's Nov. 12 meeting, which is, ironically, just one day after Remembrance Day.
