R-Zone
Respect. Responsibility. Community.
View the R-Zone policy
The Township of Southgate is committed to maintaining safe, inclusive and respectful spaces across Township facilities, programs and events. The R-Zone Policy provides a clear framework to support positive interactions between Township employees, Council, volunteers and members of the public. It also helps guide how inappropriate behaviour is addressed in Township spaces.
The “R” in R-Zone stands for:
Respect for yourself
Respect for others
Responsibility for your actions
R-Zone applies to Township facilities, properties, programs, events, public spaces, and communications with Township staff, including in-person, verbal, written, electronic and online interactions.
Why R-Zone Matters
As Southgate continues to grow and serve a diverse community, it is important that Township spaces remain welcoming, safe and respectful for everyone.
The R-Zone Policy helps:
Promote respectful interactions between the public, staff, volunteers and elected officials.
Support public safety in Township facilities, programs and events.
Provide a consistent process for addressing inappropriate behaviour.
Ensure staff can perform their duties with confidence and security.
Who Does the R-Zone Policy Apply To?
The R-Zone Policy applies to anyone who interacts with the Township of Southgate, including but not limited to:
Residents, visitors and members of the public
Township employees, volunteers, contractors and consultants
Elected officials and members appointed to Council Committees or Boards
Participants, spectators and organizers at Township programs or events
Individuals communicating with the Township by phone, email, written correspondence, social media or in person
The policy applies at Township facilities and properties, including recreation centres, libraries, administrative offices, Council Chambers, public works facilities, fire halls, transfer stations and offsite interactions involving Township staff acting in an official capacity.
Expected Behaviour
Everyone has a role to play in creating positive, safe and respectful spaces.
When using Township facilities, attending Township events, participating in programs or communicating with Township staff, visitors are expected to:
Use respectful language and tone
Treat staff, volunteers, elected officials and other members of the public with courtesy
Follow Township policies, by-laws, permits, posted rules and staff direction
Take responsibility for their actions
Help keep Township spaces safe, inclusive and accessible
Report concerning behaviour when it occurs
Possible Consequences
The Township will respond to inappropriate behaviour in a way that is proportionate to the harm caused or potential risk posed. Wherever possible, a graduated approach will be used, beginning with warnings and progressing to restrictions where necessary.
Possible actions may include:
Verbal warning
Written warning
Removal from Township premises
Suspension or restriction from Township facilities, programs or services
No trespass order
Police involvement, where required
Requirement to reimburse the Township for damage to municipal property, repairs, administrative fees or lost revenue
Help Keep Southgate Respectful
R-Zone is about creating a shared standard of respect and responsibility in Township spaces.
You can help by:
Being respectful in all interactions
Encouraging positive behaviour at Township facilities, programs and events
Supporting staff, volunteers and community members
Reporting inappropriate behaviour when it occurs
Helping make Township spaces safe, inclusive and welcoming for everyone
