By paNOW Staff

Regina city council votes down strip club

Jan 27, 2015 | 6:53 AM

The gallery inside Regina City Hall erupted into a rare, standing ovation after council voted to deny an application for a strip club Monday night.

Councillors voted nine to one against the adult entertainment establishment proposed to be located in the old Whiskey Saloon at 1047 Park Street. That came to the delight of the standing-room only crowd. Most were there in opposition of the application — the first for the city under new provincial regulations.

“A strip club will do nothing to enhance the reputation and the culture of our fine city,” Pastor Rick Parkyn said to council. “I believe that this kind of proposed adult entertainment will open a Pandora’s Box of undesirable activities.”

“We need to be shown that women and men are not objects of sex,” explained Emmanuel Sanchez.

The decision came after a few hours of delegations which saw the majority of people express their concerns with a potential strip club. Council heard from church groups, a retired police officer, concerned citizens, a lawyer, and even Saskatchewan Roughrider David Lee.

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“I’m strongly opposed to the commercial sexual use of women,” said the defensive end. “Strip clubs often serve as a gateway into prostitution and human trafficking.”

Other speakers shared those views, worried that the opening of a strip club in the city’s northeast would see increased crime and more violence against women. Some envisioned this as a step in the wrong direction for the Queen City, insisting it would have had an impact on all residents whether you went to the venue or not.

“No club is an island. It does affect all of us,” said Charles Kooger.

Only applicant Bryon Gottfredsen spoke in favour of having the club move forward. He said he was feeling good before the meeting since a previous planning commission committee had approved the proposal and even city administration was recommending it be approved.

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