Bylaws spark debate
Shannon LeClair – Times Reporter
A pair of bylaws is creating quite the stir in the Town of Strathmore.
The reduced speed limit on one of the town’s major roads and the enforcement of an existing bylaw seems to have people divided on the subjects.
On May 25, Council discussed lowering the speed limit from 80km/hr to 60km/hr. on East Boundary Road.
This item was originally on the agenda for the May 19 meeting, but due to a lengthier than normal meeting, it was discussed on May 25. Councilor Bob Sobol felt the speed limit should be lower due to the amount of pedestrian traffic using the road, and concern was expressed for public safety with an 80km/hr speed limit.
Dwight Stanford, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town stated. “It was felt that the speed limit should be lower for safety reasons. Council was in favor of reducing the speed because traffic was too fast and it was hard for people pulling out onto the road.”
Sobol moved that Council reduce the speed limit to 60km/hr, and the motion was unanimously carried. On June 7, the new 60km/hr signs were posted.
Council hasn’t discussed it yet, but Stanford predicts there will be discussions in the future with regard to lowering the speed limit on North Boundary Road.
RV Parking Bylaw
Since 1998 a bylaw, which restricts RV’s parking in the front yard of a residence, has been in place. Recently, the Peace Officers have been heavily enforcing the Bylaw.
“Some of the Councilors are getting flack on the enforcement of the Bylaw,” said Dwight Stanford, Chief Administrative Officer. “People are expected to either store their RV’s at a storage lot, or to park them in their back yards if they have an alley.” Council feels Bylaws should be enforced, or we shouldn’t have them, so the Peace Officers have been out enforcing them.
“While a few people are complaining about the warnings and fines, some neighbors are happy to see the RV’s being moved out of the way, and we are receiving positive feedback on the enforcement.”
Council will be discussing whether the Bylaw needs to be amended in the future.