Changes around complimentary parking meter permits including seniors parking permits, sidewalk snow removal, panhandling, and active transportation regulations for pedestrians, motorized scooters, cyclists, and the use of multi-use paths in the City of Cranbrook are now in effect, after council adopted the new Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw Monday night.

The new bylaw is designed to regulate traffic, parking and the use of streets and highways in the municipality. This bylaw will repeal and combine the former Streets and Traffic Bylaw and the Parking Meter Bylaw which were created in 1991. This update is needed to implement important updates and changes.

“The focus for many of the changes within the new Streets and Traffic bylaws, was on balancing fairly the interests of both the individuals and the need for the broader community to work together and support one another,” said Paul Heywood, Manager of Building and Bylaw Services for the City of Cranbrook.

Downtown Metered Parking

Given that the downtown metered parking will be reviewed in the Downtown Revitalization Plan, staff made a few changes to the parking meter regulations. Rates will remain the same, but fines issued under the Municipal Ticketing Information System (MTIS) Bylaw for parking meter penalties will be increased from $8 to $25.

Senior Downtown Parking Meter Permits

All current senior parking permits will expire as of December 31. People 65 years of age or older must present a completed application form, identification, and proof of vehicle registration to City Hall where they will be issued a Seniors Parking Permit valid for two years from the date of issue. A seniors parking permit allows for the use of a metered parking space at no charge for a maximum of one hour. Applications are available at City Hall or on the city’s website.

Snow & Ice Removal on Sidewalks

All residents are required to remove ice and snow from all sidewalks bordering their properties within 24 hours of a snow event. Many residents and business owners already faithfully clear their sidewalks. This bylaw change encourages those who do not clear their sidewalks to start to allow for better mobility of everyone on our sidewalks during the winter months. Fines of $50 per occurrence are in place for not removing ice and snow from your sidewalks.

The city continues to work in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays annually to help find volunteers to be part of their Snow Angels program. The program helps identify those who need assistance with snow clearing with volunteers who can do the work for them.

Panhandling

The bylaw includes new restrictions on panhandling within 10 metres of the entrance to banks, automated tellers, bus stop shelters, liquor and cannabis dispensaries, restaurant and pub outdoor patios and entrances to gas stations and grocery stores. These restrictions do not impact busking or entertainment. The conduct and acceptable times of panhandling are also addressed in the new bylaw. Fines of $30 per occurrence are now in place.

Active Transportation Regulations (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorized Scooters and Multi-Use Pathways)

Rules around the use of bicycle helmets, pedestrian safety, motorized scooter operation and the use of the city’s trails and pathways are addressed in the bylaw. Regulations have been updated to mirror important provisions from the Motor Vehicle Act and other legislation.

Boulevard use and maintenance is a new addition to the bylaw. Regulations within the bylaw clearly set out acceptable use and maintenance of properties abutting boulevards.

The new bylaw also includes provisions for load restrictions, road closures, parking bans, sight triangles and the issuing of permits such as access permits, road occupancy, special events and oversize/overload permits.

Changes implemented in the new Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw have triggered updates to the City’s Fees and Charges and the MTIS bylaw. The most significant fee changes include:

• parking in front of fire hydrants now has a fine of $50 per occurrence.
• people will no longer be able to live in trailers for prolonged periods of time within city limits on city streets. $100 fine per occurrence.
• fines of $50 per occurrence are in place for not removing ice and snow from your sidewalks.
• fines of $30 per occurrence are in place for panhandling.
• former parking and stopping fines issued under the MTIS were $25; all have increased to $40.
• significant increases have been applied to fines relating to obstruction, heavy loads, failure to obtain permits and failure to follow directions of Traffic Control Device or City Engineer.

It is important to note that fines issued under the MTIS Bylaw offer no discounted option. All tickets have a 14-day window from the date of issue that they can be disputed. After 14 days the city can pursue payment through legal proceedings which can result in a score on the persons credit rating and pursued through Collections.

Review the full Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw.

e-KNOW file photos

City of Cranbrook

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