An issue of public works staff having to double back during snow removal times because of improperly parked vehicles is being addressed with additional enforcement activities between public works and bylaw staff.
“No-parking, snow removal” signs will be erected, giving those affected 24 hours notice, they will include the date snow removal will take place.
In addition to current enforcement practices, peace officers will patrol indicated locations of the city before public works staff, ticketing any vehicles that have not been removed for snow removal. The first offence is a warning ticket and the second and subsequent offences will be a $78 ticket
Council questioned whether the signs could be better able to pinpoint when the snow would be removed, not just with a date but with a time.
“It’s hard to put hours up to say when we’re going to do it. We really pigeon-hole ourselves,” said Leigh Sawicki, director of protective services.
Coun. Patricia MacQuarrie voiced she is not a fan of the policy and does not want residents to move their vehicles overnight if it is not necessary. “I think we have a responsibility to be on time.”
Coun. Bert Horvey is concerned the signs will be left up longer than necessary.
Mayor Bill Elliot questioned how this could affect the senior residents of the city who need to park near their homes. “I’m saying we could have some safety issues.”
Elliot also asked how public education of the additions would occur. Sawicki says the city’s website, the signs and social media will all work to keep residents informed.
“To go with this I’m hoping we have a communication strategy right off the bat,” said MacQuarrie.