SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A city councillor stalled third reading of the controversial parks and recreation bylaw replacement on April 12, saying he wants to give the public time to read it before it passes.

After the bylaw went through its first reading, with only city councillor David Wind opposed, Coun. Bob Brooks made a motion to hold off its passage until the next meeting on April 26.

"I'd much rather defer second and third reading to the next meeting to allow time for the residents to take a look at the bylaw," said Brooks, who supported the first reading and said he is happier with the new bylaw.

Brooks said that given the outcry against the first incarnation of the amended bylaw last fall, he felt the public may want to take a look at this version before it passes.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem asked city administration if there had been any feedback since the fall.

"I've had no phone calls or e-mails from the public," replied Grant White, director of community services.

The motion to defer third reading was initially defeated, as only councillors Brooks, Wind, and Paul Falvo supported it.

Following second reading council voted to move the bylaw to third and final reading.

It was Brooks' second opportunity to block. He was the lone councillor to oppose the motion.

"Isn't unanimous consent required for third reading?" asked Brooks when Coun. Cory Vanthuyne started to proceed with the reading.

All eyes went to Debbie Gillard, the city clerk.

"Unanimous consent is required for third reading," said Gillard, referring to a rule that requires unanimous consent if all three readings are to pass in one night.

Coun. Lydia Bardak, sitting beside Brooks, stifled a laugh.

Bardak had been a critic of the bylaw in the past, but now that the clause containing operating hours has been removed, she told council she feels the bylaw is in a good place and has come a long way from what it was.

Wind was the only one who opposed the bylaw during the meeting.

"I've had difficulties with this bylaw since it got brought to second reading in the first attempt (last fall)," said Wind.

"I do believe it still tries to do too much."

Wind said the reasons administration provided to him for making changes to the 13-year-old bylaw – problems with inappropriate behaviour in the library and pool – can be dealt with by increasing municipal enforcement in those areas, rather than revamping the whole bylaw.

"We're just biting off more than we should be chewing for this particular bylaw," said Wind.

The full text of the bylaw proposal is available on the city's website in the April 12, 2010.