Illegal parking could lead to violators experiencing the gift of giving this Christmas season.
North Battleford City Hall plans to have in effect this December some relaxed rules on fines for residential parking infractions.
Instead of tickets for violators, during the period of Dec. 22 to Jan. 3 the City plans to issue warnings to violators of residential parking bylaws restrictions with a notice explaining the bylaw and a suggestion that the violator make a donation to the food bank in lieu of a fine. The new policy is in effect starting this holiday season.
According to a memo from Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac, there are a great deal of out of twon visitors in the City and these guests may not be aware of the restrictions in place.
MacIsaac stated there would not be a significant impact on revenues from fines, as an average of 89 residential parking tickets were issued in December the last three years. MacIsaac also stated special constables can monitor the situation and in the event of a heavy snowfall be given the authority, in consultation with Public Works, to suspend the practice after giving public notice.
The program got a thumbs-up from councillors interested in attracting visitors to the community.
"I think it's a fantastic idea. I think it's very creative," said Councillor Rhonda Seidel about the plan. "There are a lot of visitors that come to this community at that time of year."
Councillor Ron Crush, though, expressed his own reservations about the proposal, saying he appreciates the intent of the program but that he wasn't sure it was necessarily the way to go.
"We want people off the streets," Crush said.
