Parking spots for disabled motorists may cost them
Whitehorse residents dealing with accessibility issues could face a new $25 fee if they need to replace their parking permits.
Whitehorse residents dealing with accessibility issues could face a new $25 fee if they need to replace their parking permits.
The change is one of several proposed for the city's fees and charges bylaw.
Under the current bylaw, there is no replacement fee for those who need to replace their accessible parking permit.
The permit allows them to park in the blue accessible parking stalls reserved for those with accessibility issues.
"There is currently no charge for a replacement parking permit, and adding the fee will help cover the costs of staff processing time,” it was stated in a report presented last Monday to council by Rob Fendrick, the city's director of corporate services.
Among other changes proposed:
• A new fee of $35 for commercial accessible parking permits which would allow government or other agencies transporting people with accessibility issues to park in accessible parking stalls.
• A discounted bagged meter rate for construction sites in the Central Business District downtown that would see the $25 per meter per day fee drop after 30 consecutive days to $15 per meter per day for a maximum of two meter heads.
As Fendrick noted, "Bylaw receives several requests from contractors for reduced rates, and the $15 per day charge is nearly double the coin revenue per day of $8.50.”
• A bagged meter rate for funerals would be introduced, allowing the first five meters to be free for funerals taking place downtown.
The city receives three to five such requests each year from families in these situations;
• Zoning amendment fees would rise to $1,500 from the current $500 fee, another $400, which covers the cost of signs advertising the zoning application and the $200 signage security deposit;
• Bringing the fees in line with those approved in traffic bylaw changes already made; and
• Remove trailer registration fees, as they haven't been active in 20 years.
The changes to the fees and charges bylaw are proposed as part of the preparation done for the annual operating budget officials are working on for 2014.
Council will vote this evening on whether to move ahead with the proposed changes.
Coun. Dave Stockdale was absent from last Monday's session.
Comments (11)
Up 1 Down 2
Jwhite on Sep 25, 2013 at 7:12 am
Yes, there is a fee each time a permit is issued. It's been that way for a while, I think. This new fee relates to the replacement of a permit. R. Daniels, the city does give several financial breaks to seniors. Check the fee schedules for programs, bus passes , canada games centre, for example
Up 3 Down 0
Handicapped on Sep 25, 2013 at 1:42 am
@Jwhite. I think the majority of comments here are from people who have already been charged to 'Renew' thier permit, and are not first time aplicants. I know that is true in my case.
Up 3 Down 0
R Daniels on Sep 24, 2013 at 7:30 am
Just another way to bleed the disabled and the elderly. This seems to be the gov't favorite target as they boast on how generous they are to the seniors.
There is never a mention of reducing programs or staff or general reduction in the budget. BLEED BLEED AWAY as we normally so complacent and do not fight back
Up 3 Down 1
IMO on Sep 24, 2013 at 7:18 am
Purely my opinion but…I think it's a disgrace to charge for a handicap parking permit in the first place whether it's a new or replaced card, they should be no charge. Really we pay enough taxes, they can't afford to issue these free of charge to those who need them?
Up 6 Down 2
Jwhite on Sep 23, 2013 at 11:59 pm
I think the story explains that the proposed new fee is to replace a permit. There is already a fee for the initial permit.
Up 7 Down 2
north_of_60 on Sep 23, 2013 at 10:54 am
"There is currently no charge for a replacement parking permit, and adding the fee will help cover the costs of staff processing time,” it was stated in a report presented last Monday to council by Rob Fendrick, the city's director of corporate services.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Whoa there Mr Director, that pile don't flush.
Our taxes already pay City Staff to do their job. Why should we have to pay them any more? I rather doubt that an increased number of Disabled Permit applications and renewals has overwhelmed City clerks or caused anyone to work overtime. Renewing any permit is a few key strokes and a few mouse clicks; hardly worth $25 if we weren't already paying for that service.
If this is just another blatant tax grab to cover more administrative mismanagement then I won't be surprised. After all, this is the same group that brought us Wasteland Bend and the ongoing Mt Sima drama.
If the City want's more revenue from the disabled parking spots, then increase the fines for cars with no permits parking there, instead of making life more difficult for the disabled.
Up 3 Down 4
June Jackson on Sep 23, 2013 at 10:09 am
I was also charged $25.00 for a new plastic permit in March which would not have to be replaced every year.
It had a small crack in the circle and the clerk assured me that was ok. Imagine my surprise in the first cold night the thing cracked in half. I called City hall and was told they were really sorry that happened.. $25.00 if I wanted a replacement. So, I taped it up and stuck it back on my rear view mirror.
I am not surprised that clerks and employee's would make a money grab.. kind of par for the standards set by the sitting council. Some things they can't help, inherited a lot of crap from Bucky. But other things..like this.. entirely their own.
Up 2 Down 2
Sandra Wasnea on Sep 23, 2013 at 9:34 am
I also recently paid $25.00 for my blue handicap parking sign!
Up 13 Down 6
Fed Up on Sep 23, 2013 at 8:55 am
My husband and I went to City Hall today to get a form for a Handicapped Parking Permit and was totally floored at the cost of 25.00.
Then I just came across the story of how it has not been approved yet by council.So , why are they already giving out info to pay the 25.00 ?It's this kind of Crap that goes on in this City , that makes me ask myself . . . Why in the hell do I live here ?
Up 13 Down 1
Wrong facts on Sep 23, 2013 at 8:48 am
FYI I was charged twenty five bucks over a year ago to get my parking pass replaced.
Up 12 Down 4
Hmmm on Sep 23, 2013 at 7:10 am
If there is no fee for a disabled parking card, why was my disabled mother made to pay $25 to renew her handicapped parking permit from City of Whitehorse last month?
At the time we were told it was a 'new' fee. Sounds like a visit to the clerks at city hall is in order to straighten this out.