REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: September 6th, 2017 Report No. CSS-17-010
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Blair McDonald, Director, Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2017, No. 2898, Amendment Bylaw [No.1], 2017, No. 2904
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council gives first, second and third readings to the Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2017, No. 2898, Amendment Bylaw [No. 1], 2017, No. 2904.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw 2017, No. 2898
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Operational Strategy - Review Township policies and bylaws to ensure efficient processes; amend and update as necessary
BACKGROUND:
Recently, a complaint was received by Bylaw Enforcement of vehicles parking so as to block the Bicycle Lanes on Admirals Road. When reviewing the Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw in an attempt to conduct some enforcement and deal with the offending vehicles, it was noted that there is no section of the Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw that gives the Bylaw Management Officer any authority to address this issue. There is authority under the Provincial Traffic Act to allow police to deal with a vehicle blocking a travel lane, but presently, there is no authority for the Bylaw Management Officer to address this issue.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
As parking violations is an area that is primarily addressed by the Bylaw Management Officer, it is appropriate that the Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw be amended to allow enforcement in circumstances where a parked vehicle is blocking a traveled lane, be it a regular traveled lane or a bicycle lane.
This bylaw amendment: allows for the addition of a definition of a bicycle lane; creates an offence for parking in such a way that a vehicle blocks or obstructs either a bicycle lane or the regular traveled portion of a roadway; and provides authority for the Police, the Municipal Engineer or the Bylaw Management Officer to tow the offending vehicle if necessary.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no significant organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
There are no significant financial implications.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
The updated Bylaw will be posted on the Township website once adopted.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council gives first, second and third readings to the Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2017, No. 2898, Amendment Bylaw [No. 1], 2017, No. 2904.
2. That Council directs any amendments it considers appropriate to Bylaw No. 2904 prior to giving it first, second and third readings as amended.
3. That Council refers Bylaw No. 2904 back to staff to further revision.