City of Regina opens discussion on snow routes

Next winter, parking options could change in Regina, as the city contemplates parking bans on snow routes.
 
“That would be when, of course, when we have a major storm and it’s designated as a snow route people would not be allowed to park on those major streets … There are the priority number one streets like Albert Street, for example, or Broad Street,” explained Mayor Michael Fougere.
 
On Tuesday and Thursday this week, the city will hold open houses to hear what people have to say about the idea.
 
Fougere said nothing has been decided yet – they want to hear what people think of the idea at the open house.
 
This is a program which many other cities have already implemented, and one which was brought up at city council meetings as early as the fall of 2013.
 
The idea came up when a report was filed on the 2012-13 winter season’s successes and failures by the manager of winter operations, Chris Warren.
 
Vehicles parked on roadways was identified as a challenge in that report.
 
“You have to go around obstacles. And number two, you’re causing an inconvenience to the parked vehicle as well,” said Warren. “That’s why, in our report, we put forward some information on what some other municipalities are doing in terms of parking bans and parking enforcement. And we’re hoping that we can move forward on trying to advance that in the future.”

Warren said that could mean permanent snow routes or temporary parking bans after snowfalls.

The open houses are being held on Tuesday, starting at 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hall at 2020 Winnipeg Street. The other is Thursday evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. at O’Neill High School at 34 Argyle Street.

The city’s director of roadways and transportation Norman Kyle said after compiling public feedback, administration hopes to have a report before city council sometime in June or early September outlining potential ways to move forward.

Kyle said, depending on what the public wants, new rules could be implemented by November 2016.

The public could also decide the level of service surrounding snow removal is adequate and that nothing needs to be altered.