The mayor of Gananoque, a town in eastern Ontario, has proposed a new measure targeting Quebec drivers who receive parking tickets. Mayor John Beddows suggested the possibility of implementing a tire clamp on Quebec-plated vehicles as part of a revised parking bylaw, aimed at holding drivers accountable for unpaid fines.
The proposal includes a new category of parking tickets that would cover the complete costs associated with clamping and removing the device from the vehicle. While some, like Coun. David Osmond, have criticized the move for potentially alienating Quebec tourists, Mayor Beddows defended the decision, citing the lack of enforcement agreements between Ontario and Quebec for parking violations.
Beddows emphasized the need for fairness, questioning why local residents should face consequences for parking violations while visitors from Quebec do not. The mayor’s directive also includes suggestions to lower parking fees and waive charges for handicapped parking spots owned by the municipality along the waterfront.
The discussion on parking enforcement is intertwined with a broader debate on the expanded powers granted to mayors in Ontario municipalities, including Gananoque. While acknowledging the town’s reliance on tourism, Osmond highlighted the need for a balanced approach in utilizing these enhanced mayoral powers, emphasizing the importance of collaborative decision-making within the council.
The upcoming council meeting in mid-September is set to further review the implications of the strong mayor directives and determine the potential inclusion of these measures in Gananoque’s future budgets.
