A photo of Main Street in Antigonish (Source: Antigonish Town Hall Web Cam).

The Town of Antigonish is holding a meeting to discuss a new bylaw that would keep parties from getting out of hand.

The proposed Nuisance Party By-Law is based on a by-law of the same name that was passed by the Town of Wolfville last year. The Wolfville by-law gives police officers the ability to shut down any party that violates any of the following rules:

• public intoxication.
• the unlawful sale, furnishing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.
• the unauthorized deposit of litter on public or private property.
• damage to public or private property.
• the obstruction of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or interference with the ability to provide emergency services.
• sound that is unusual or excessive, or that is likely to be unwanted by or disturbing to persons.
• unauthorized open burning.
• public disturbance, including confrontations and violence.
• outdoor public urination or defecation.
• use of or entry upon a roof not intended for such occupancy.

It carries a fine of $400 dollars for a first offence and can jump up to $900 with repeat offences.

The bylaw is likely aimed at controlling parties hosted by StFX students off of campus which have caused friction with the local community. With a new school year starting it seems the town is trying to curb excessive partying before it starts.