anabolic frolic

Ravers take on city hall
1,000 protest bylaw plan
By Timothy Le Riche, EDMONTON SUN
Monday, June 25, 2001

The rave wave swept the steps of City Hall in protest yesterday.

While an estimated 1,000 opponents of Edmonton's "anti-rave" bylaw danced at City Hall, council member and mayoral hopeful Robert Noce said the proposed restrictions will likely be delayed for further study when they're brought forward for council consideration tomorrow.

The bylaw proposed by the city's executive council would shut down dance clubs at 3 a.m. Police warn that drug and alcohol abuse is growing in Edmonton's rave scene.

Bylaw opponents counter that restrictions will drive rave fans underground.

"I'm hopeful that the majority of council will send it back to our city administration for more work," said Noce, who sits on executive council.

"I readily admit that the executive committee made a mistake in proposing this bylaw. Our intentions were good, but clearly enforceability of the bylaw is now coming into question."

As a series of deejays worked two turntables near a tall black bank of speakers, Noce said he enjoys the music and said it's great for young people.

"It was never my intent to eliminate these types of activities," said Noce. "We need to find some balance."

Mike Nickel, another declared mayoral candidate, said legislating morality is tricky and doesn't work, and he pointed at the smoking bylaw to make the point.

"Here we go again," said Nickel. "This is not the city's business. It's common sense."

Dragan Jargic, emcee of the protest dance organized by the Edmonton Right to Dance Coalition, began the event by inviting the dancers to get moving.

"Feel free to dance; they haven't passed the bylaw yet," Jargic said to a burst of applause.

Writer Dave Johnston noted it was ironic that the protest was being held while the city's jazz festival was under way.

"A century ago, jazz was considered deviant," said Johnston.

Colin Andrews, 16, said the proposed bylaw goes too far.

"This one looks like it will effectively kill dance culture," said Andrews.

Harley McGillivray of Twilight Music Services said the fun is only just beginning at raves when 3 a.m. rolls around.

He said dance clubs keep youth out of trouble.

"If you're responsible and you're old enough, then it's fine," said Andrews.

Several months ago, Coun. Michael Phair asked the city administration to look at whether the location of teen parties could be regulated.

Controversy over raves in Edmonton began more than a year ago, after eight teens collapsed at a dance at the Sportex.

Concerned parents complained to city hall and councillors after learning their teenagers were attending non-licensed parties being held in the same building as bars.