R Zone Policy - Respect and Responsibility

The Respect and Responsibility (R Zone Policy) applies to all Town of Shelburne property, facilities, and programs and to all patrons and guests as well as activities that are structured (i.e. permit issued) and unstructured (i.e. no permit issued).

No form of vandalism, violence or indecency, including viewing, producing or exhibiting lewd, illegal or offensive materials are accepted on properties, or in facilities.

Staff is not expected to put themselves at risk or jeopardize anyone's safety when dealing with any real or perceived situation. If at any time staff feels threatened, they are to call the Ontario Provincial Police for assistance. Inappropriate behaviour or actions for the purpose of this policy includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviours:

• Aggressive or intimidating approaches to another individual (verbal assault)
• Threats
• Attempts to goad or incite anger in others
• Throwing of articles in a deliberate or aggressive manner
• Physical striking of another individual
• Theft of property
• Possession of weapons
• Illegal consumption of alcohol or drugs
• Contravention of Town by-laws, policies or procedures
• Vandalism (the deliberate destruction, damage or defacing of property owned or leased through the Town
• Harassment: “engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome” as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code or under Bill 168.

If the nature of an issue is known in advance to be contentious (at a meeting, event, or any other location where Town staff is present) staff is to alert police. Depending on the nature of the issue, staff may request the attendance of the police.

Report an incident

This procedure is designed to provide members of the public and staff with a positive approach to promoting appropriate behaviour and actions. Members of the public are to report acts of inappropriate behaviour to a Town staff member within 24 hours of the incident. Please use the following guides when:

The Town's primary concern is the safety of staff and members of the public. If at any time staff or members of the public feel personally threatened, they are to call the police immediately. It is NOT the expectation that staff or members of the public put themselves at risk or jeopardize anyone's safety when dealing with any perceived or real situation.

Ontario Provincial Police Dufferin Detachment

Non-Emergency Contact: 1-888-310-1122

Emergency Contact: 911

Reporting process and who will be notified

• Staff shall fill out an Rzone Incident Report (Appendix A) within 24 hours of the incident
• A copy of the Rzone Incident Report shall be forwarded to the department head or his/her designate within 48 hours of the incident
• The department head or his/her designate should provide notice to the identified individual of action to be taken, within 14 days of the incident
• Appropriate staff will be notified of any individual(s) who has been subject to remedial action under this policy as well as the action taken
• The Department will keep the original RZone Incident Report on file

Consequences of non-compliance

Individuals who engage in any inappropriate behaviour, as defined in this procedure, may, depending on the severity, be removed immediately from the premises. A “Letter of Warning” (Appendix C) may be sent to an individual advising them of appropriate behaviour. If necessary, a “Letter of Trespass” (Appendix D) will be sent to individual(s). Length of the ban will be determined by the department head or designate, and will depend on the severity of situation. Enforcement guidelines are referenced in Appendix B.

In addition to any other measures taken, where any damage to Town property has occurred, the individual(s) responsible will be required to reimburse the Town for all costs associated with any repairs, an administration fee, as well as any lost revenues or where appropriate, be required to repair the damage.

Appeal process

If an individual wishes to appeal any action taken by the Town, the individual may present their case in writing, to the Committee and the CAO (or designate), within 14 days of the decision. A $200 fee must accompany all appeals and will be refunded if the appeal is overturned. If the original decision remains in effect, the $200 fee is not refundable to the individual.

The appeal will be reviewed by the Committee and CAO (or designate) along with the Manager of the Department involved for a discussion and final decision.

Notice: where there has been a violation of this procedure, a letter may be issued to the identified individual providing details of the specific behaviour that is not tolerated and any Action To Be Taken.

Action to be taken

Depending on the severity of the incident:

• A “Letter of Warning” (Appendix C) may be issued to the identified individual for any behaviour that is in violation of this policy
• For incidents where behaviour is grossly inappropriate or threatening to another member of the public or staff or for repeated incidents, a “Letter of Trespass” (Appendix D) may be issued to the identified individual indicating that further participation is no longer welcome. A temporary or permanent ban is to be determined by the Manager

Responsibilities

• Staff and participants are responsible for behaving and acting in a manner that respects the rights of others in order to promote an environment that can be enjoyed by all
• The Town shall work in partnership with the community to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a respectful and positive environment
• Training and education by the Town of Shelburne will be provided to staff to support the procedure
• Each Town department is responsible for monitoring violations of this policy and following up with appropriate staff as necessary