There will be no referendum on Sunday shopping in the Steinbach civic election next month. City resident David Banman presented city council with a petition Tuesday evening bearing more than 500 signatures, asking that a referendum be held on whether to give businesses the choice to be open on Sunday.

Mayor Chris Goertzen says council denied the referendum several weeks ago and, according to provincial law, cannot reverse its decision unless a councillor gives two weeks written notice of their intent to re-open the discussion. That has not happened and Goertzen adds it's now getting too late for it to happen because the election is just five weeks away.

"For it to be introduced as a Notice of Motion in two weeks time and then, two weeks following that, actually having a full discussion on it, would leave a very limited time for the administration to actually make it happen."

But Banman is not buying city council's claim that it's a procedural problem that is preventing a referendum.

"That's the excuse that was used. It was swept right under the rug. I think what city council's actions today show is that if you're a business person, they might listen to you but if you're anybody else in the community, that your opinion doesn't matter for Sunday shopping. I think that's the unfortunate part."

Banman says he will continue to be persistent on behalf of people who want Sunday shopping.

" Absolutely! I'm not giving up that easily. I think the consumers want this. This is a big issue for a lot of consumers. Up to 70% of people under age 55 want this to go ahead. I think now it's time to talk to candidates. When candidates come to people's doors, we need to ask them; What's your stance here? and; Are you willing to listen to what the people have to say? I think that's the most important point here. People are being ignored."

Banman adds he will not give up on this campaign and will now press for a referendum to be held in October of next year.

Read more:

Sunday Shopping Referendum Request Denied

Sunday Shopping Survey Released/Will Banman Run For Mayor?

Steinbach C of C Unchanged On Sunday Shopping

Sunday Shopping Campaign Intensifies