Homeowners surprised by unexpected parking changes

REGINA – Homeowners in some newer developments in Regina are being hit with unexpected no-parking signs, years after some families moved to the areas.

“It’s a constant inconvenience,” said one homeowner in Harbour Landing. “So it’s almost like we have to forget about our lawn and just put concrete driveways on our front yard.”

In some newer subdivisions, including Harbour Landing, Greens on Gardiner and Fairways West, drivers can only park their vehicles on one side of the street.

The development standard dates back to 2003 and is meant to ensure emergency vehicles have enough room to get through. The policy applies to local streets less than 11 metres in width.

Residents say they are upset because no one told them about this no-parking policy before they bought houses in the new neighbourhoods.

“It’s been upwards of about three or four years for some of them,” said Geoff Brown, manager of infrastructure planning with the city. “It wasn’t really a matter of forgetting or it wasn’t an error on the developers’ part or anything like that. In terms of the process at that time, it was missed. So again, our apologies.”

A grandfather clause of sorts means the policy doesn’t necessarily apply to older neighbourhoods.

“The city may from time to time look at those streets on a case by case basis,” said Brown.

Drivers caught parking on the wrong side of the street have been nailed with $25 fines.

“They’re pretty adamant those city parking enforcers. We’ve parked there for a couple of hours sometimes and there’s a ticket,” said one Harbour Landing resident. “I wouldn’t have moved into this area had we known. Parking is important.”