Costs outweighed revenue in private lots as Smiths Falls parking fines review shifts enforcement
SMITHS FALLS — Parking fines in Smiths Falls could soon increase, as the town looks to bring rates in line with other municipalities and refocus enforcement where it has the most impact.
Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough told council on March 23 that the review was overdue.
“It has been a recommendation that after five years, parking set fines be reviewed,” he said, noting the town’s current rates fall below regional averages.
Staff began the review earlier this year while updating fees for the Market Street parking lot, expanding the scope to include all parking-related charges.
“We decided to take on and look at all the rest of the fees and charges that we’re charging for parking,” Chesebrough said.
The proposed changes would raise many fines from about $20 to the $30 to $40 range, bringing Smiths Falls closer to neighbouring municipalities.
Council approval is required before the new rates can be submitted to the Ontario Court of Justice, which has final authority on set fines.
“They’ll review the set fines in comparison for other jurisdictions and determine whether or not we’re exceeding what the average is, or they may approve exactly what we’ve submitted,” Chesebrough said.
The update also reintroduces an early payment option that had been dropped in a previous bylaw revision.
“The intent … is hopefully to discourage individuals from contesting it, pay within seven days, pay a lesser amount,” he said.
The report also addresses enforcement on private parking lots, an arrangement that dates back to 2009.
At the time, the town provided enforcement at no cost to property owners while collecting fine revenue.
A recent review found little appetite to continue.
When staff reached out to businesses, Chesebrough said responses were limited.
“Walmart said it has to go to corporate. Canadian Tire wasn’t interested. One place is no longer open,” he said. “The only parking lot … that had expressed interest … is the one on Main Street.”
Even there, the numbers did not support continuing the service.
“When we reviewed the total operational costs, they outweighed any potential revenue that could be generated,” he said.
Instead, the town plans to focus enforcement efforts in the downtown core and surrounding streets, particularly with the addition of a third bylaw officer.
“That was far more worthy … than going into a lot that has 100 spots … to maybe get one or two parking tickets,” Chesebrough said.
Smiths Falls council members voiced support for the changes, with one noting interest in tracking ticket volumes after implementation.
Chesebrough said enforcement capacity remains stretched, pointing to court obligations that can pull officers off the road.
“Tomorrow, (March 24) we will have no bylaw officers in town. Both are attending court on parking tickets being contested,” he said.
With final approval, the updated fines and early payment provision will be submitted to the court for review. Council supported the recommendation.
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