Parking is an ever-changing issue in Harrison Hot Springs, and councillors are getting ready ahead of the peak of summer tourism.
During the April 4 meeting, Harrison Hot Springs Council approved changes to beachfront parking rules.
As a result of council’s actions, four new 15-minute stalls will be placed on Esplanade Avenue. Time limits on these parking spots will be enforced year-round, not just during tourism season.
Coun. Ray Hooper, who voted against this recommendation, was concerned about enforcement, particularly during tourism season when bylaw officers are already busy.
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Coun. Gerry Palmer empathized with Hooper’s concerns about enforcement.
“Enforcement can be a challenge,” Palmer said. “I do believe, though, like a lot of rules, we put the rules in place and there may be a level of enforcement. I think a lot of people will follow the rules without the threat of enforcement.”
Council unanimously approved adding one new accessible parking spot on Spruce Street, additional signage near the boat launch. Council also greenlit a $2-per-hour increase for EV charging spots to $7 per hour from May 15 to Sept. 15 and $2 per hour in the off-season. There will be a four-hour parking limit on EV stalls. The additional fee is to help recover costs of maintenance and other associated expenses.
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The total costs to apply the changes is approximately $6,000, which the staff recommends be funded through surplus.
Most of the councillors were away from Memorial Hall during this meeting, conducting business via Zoom with the exception of Couns. Hooper and Michie Vidal. Coun. Samantha Piper was not in attendance.
In other council business:
- Palmer added three late items to council’s new business. He called for a prohibition of any herbicides or pesticides that contain glyphosate (this includes Roundup), a consultation with residents to make the village more friendly to cyclists and to plant a tree on all new building lots. All items have been referred to an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion.
- Council approved the 2021 financial statement as presented by independent auditors BDO Accountants and oncoming financial officer Scott Schultz.
- Mayor Leo Facio thanked former financial officer Tracey Jones for her service to the village.
The next regular Harrison Hot Springs council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Online attendance via Zoom is also an option with instructions available at harrisonhotsprings.ca. Meetings are archived on the village’s YouTube page.
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