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HAY RIVER - Hay River town council has dismissed out of hand recommendations from the municipal bylaw officer on parade safety, including banning the tossing of candy and insuring floats.

The recommendations, discussed at a July 11 council meeting, noted children who run to collect candy and other items tossed during parades do not pay attention to their surroundings, including floats and vehicles, and that can result in injury or death.

Deputy Mayor Mike Maher said candy has always been thrown from floats in the community's parades.

"I think it's up to parents to control their kids at the side of the street," Maher said, adding the town should not create a bylaw on the matter.

The bylaw officer's recommendations were also dismissed by Coun. Dawna O'Brien.

"I don't support anything in this," she said.

In particular, O'Brien said she has never heard of insurance being required for a float to go two kilometres an hour down a closed street, adding a kiddy tractor being driven by a child is not going to careen out of control into the crowd.

"I really think this is absolutely ridiculous," she said.

In written recommendations, bylaw officer Dave Ryan said that, during the recent Canada Day parade, he observed children running between and close to floats and other vehicles.

His advice is that candy and other items be directly handed to spectators.

The recommendations also said many floats and ATVs are not insured, which could make the town liable if an accident occurs.

Following the July 11 council meeting, Mayor Kelly Schofield said the recommendations won't be going anywhere.

"I understand that the bylaw officer was looking at it from a safety concern because he too wants to look after the kids in this town, but at the same time it is a highly visible route," the mayor said. "We take all the safety precautions we can."

Schofield said he is unaware of anyone ever being hurt during a Hay River parade. "I've not yet heard of one instance where anybody was scratched, bruised or injured in any way."

The mayor also said the town already has insurance for recreational activities, which include parades.

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