At the March 1 General Committee meeting, staff presented a report to councillors requesting approval to change Dara Howell Way from a no-parking area to a fire route.
The change would “basically increase the fine from $50 to $100,” for those who block the area, according to municipal Chief By-law Enforcement Officer Andrew Stillar who said the request was being made by Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Chief Gary Monahan.
“We’re hoping that this will deter more people from parking there with a hundred-dollar fine, being signed as a fire route where vehicles could be towed as well,” said Stillar.
Councillor Bob Stone agreed. “Having lived the nightmare of parking down there for many years, this will go a very long way to help the traffic continue to move, and the abuse of parking there has been absolutely horrible. So I hope this fixes the problem for everyone involved.”
Councillor Monty Clouthier wanted to know why vehicles hadn’t been towed. Stillar said under the bylaw towing a vehicle is always an option. “It’s not one that we have exercised throughout my career. I’ve had vehicles relocated if you will for triathlon, but never actually removed, removed,” he said.
Councillor Helena Renwick thanked staff for the suggestion. She said it’s something that has needed to be done and suggested that towing offenders a couple of times, coupled with a fine, might set precedence. “They might think twice about it because right now they don’t care. They just still park there… money does speak so the $100 would probably help but a towing would also help…”
Committee approved the recommendation.
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But yes lets just remove even more parking spaces downtown by widening the sidewalks. How many times has main street been redone ? 4 or 5 since I have moved here. Too bad we can’t get some of the major potholes on some of the backstreet repaired. You know, the ones that can take out a front end of a vehicle or shred a cars tire/rim? Come on Huntsville you can do better with our tax dollars.
Well considering there is NO parking a there in this town, just parks, parks seems to be the most important. People park where they can find a spot. Alot of elder people in this town and I think a project for a parking lots somewhere would benefit more than parks in the town.