New winter parking restrictions for some streets in Squamish are now in effect.
Parking is now restricted to one side of the street during winter months to ensure that snow plows and emergency vehicles can access the designated streets. Signage has been installed to indicate parking restrictions between December 1 and March 1.
A list of impacted streets is available here. The change was part of recent amendments to the District’s Snow and Ice Control Policy, Traffic Bylaw, Frontage and Sidewalk Maintenance Bylaw, and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw.
“This change is designed to improve the District’s ability to clear snow from streets where on-street vehicle parking has historically impacted snow plow and emergency vehicle access,” says James Storey, the District’s Director of Public Works. “The situation last winter was very concerning. Vehicles parked along both sides of the street prevented snow plows from getting down the street, which, in addition to the frustration for residents, created a very unsafe situation as emergency vehicles were also unable to access the streets.”
District said bylaw enforcement officers will focus on education and provide warnings to anyone parking in a restricted area. However, vehicles may be ticketed and towed at any time to ensure community safety. The fine for impeding snow removal is $250.
“We hope that homeowners and tenants who live on impacted streets can utilize garages and driveways as much as possible in an effort to alleviate street congestion to help solve this problem,” continues Storey. “That may not be possible for every car, but we’re looking for residents to help be part of the solution. Not being able to get a plow down a street is a problem that is in all our best interests to solve.”
Residents are reminded that District streets are public property for everyone to use, and that consideration of driveways and general good neighbourliness will help this policy change to be effective.
