Residents with a valid special needs vehicle sign or valid veterans’ licence plate could park for free at all metered areas for a maximum of three hours, if amendments to the Traffic Bylaw are approved.
Those are some of the changes proposed to update the Traffic Bylaw. City council discussed the amendments during a recent executive committee meeting. Council is now looking for public feedback on the proposed amendments and could officially approve them in June.
Feedback can be sent to cclerk@moosejaw.ca, or by visiting https://moosejaw.ca.
Bylaw background
Council enacted the current Traffic Bylaw on June 11, 2018. With the bylaw in place and used efficiently for almost a year, the Transportation Services Advisory Committee (TSAC) suggested several amendments to ensure the bylaw continued functioning well.
Although it took some time, city administration and the transportation committee recognized the parking challenges that residents with special needs have, along with the service that veterans have given to the community, said Coun. Chris Warren.
“We wanted to ensure that the free parking was brought back in. But we also wanted to find a balance … while not negatively affecting adjacent business owners,” he added. “Turnover in parking is important so users of downtown can find parking as they attend those businesses.”
Free parking permits
Free parking permits for metered parking could be issued to city council members, while the mayor could issue such permits to select groups. These groups include: MPs, MLAs, visiting dignitaries, Victim Services volunteer workers, non-profit health-care and continuous care groups, eligible city employees, and day-long passes to anyone the mayor deems fit.
Bike helmets
A voluntary fine option could be offered to people who violate the bicycle helmet provision. Under the bylaw, helmets are mandatory for everyone under the age 16. The voluntary fine would start at $20 and increase to a maximum of $50 if the fine has not been paid in a timely manner.
“What is an extreme case? You either have a helmet on or you don’t,” said Coun. Brian Swanson.
A ticket would be issued if young people continuously refuse to wear a helmet, even when the parent or guardian has been educated, said Katelyn Soltys, assistant city solicitor. Police can issue a ticket if they see fit; they believe wearing helmets prevents brain injuries and ensures children’s long-term health.
Parents want their kids to wear helmets these days, said Coun. Dawn Luhning. However, she didn’t know how police could ticket children, an issue that she thought was a conundrum.
“It’s a bit of a mess,” she added.
Speeding fines
Fines for speeding through school and construction zones are being proposed to match the financial penalties that the province of Saskatchewan is issuing for similar infractions.
Extra parking
TSAC discussed opening up the parking lot on River Street behind the TD Bank for monthly parking permits. This would alleviate parking pressures, especially when there are events at Mosaic Place. However, the committee decided not to suggest this change since it was one business owner who had concerns, which stemmed from the 2015 Scotties curling tournament.
The next executive committee meeting is Monday, June 10.
