Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Middlesex Centre has updated its parking bylaw to allow fines to be levied for parking illegally at Weldon Park.
Paid parking at the Arva park took effect in May. But so far, no tickets have been issued, as the municipality had been focusing on public education and awareness.
At its July 17th meeting, council approved a staff report that outlines a set fine of $40 for each parking infraction. Enforcement will be carried out by ongoing random patrols.
People required to pay for parking can use the Honk app. The parking fees are $3 per hour or $20 per day during the week, and $5 per hour or $30 per day on the weekends, plus service fees. To date, paid parking revenue has generated about $9,000.
Paid parking took effect as of May 21, and is intended for people using the park who live outside the municipality. Residents of Middlesex Centre can apply for parking passes that allow them to park free of charge. As well, groups like sports teams that regularly use the park have been accommodated. “Generally speaking, the response has been positive. Most residents have been understanding of the issue and why the new parking rules have come into effect. We’ve issued more than 400 residential passes to date. Additionally, the roll-out of the free-passes for baseball teams and other paid park users has gone smoothly, says Middlesex Centre Communications Manager, Heather Kepran.
Weldon Park is a very popular park, especially in the summer. Although the municipality says illegal parking is not especially problematic, there are other concerns. “One issue we are working to address is parking outside of the designated lots, which can be dangerous for park visitors and cause unnecessary wear-and-tear on the edges of the roads,” says Kepran.
Revenue generated from the parking fees will be used to offset the cost of operating the park.
