With reopening of the local economy underway and citizen complaints related to COVID-19 continuing its downward trend, Newmarket bylaw is getting back to business as usual.
Newmarket’s bylaw division today begins a slow and gradual return to parking enforcement and responding to general grievances from the community, which included numerous calls about fireworks the week of Canada Day.
Full proactive parking enforcement will come into effect later this fall when bylaw shifts its focus from emergency and reopening measures during the coronavirus crisis to more routine patrols.
Since mid-March, bylaw enforcers have been on proactive patrol in the town’s parks and trails, green spaces, business sector, and public spaces to ensure Ontario’s emergency orders of physical distancing and social gathering limits to stop the spread of the virus are being followed.
The department continues to monitor recently opened splash pads, including the Tim Hortons Water Feature at Riverwalk Commons, town patios, and the still-closed basketball courts where groups of teenagers have been known to gather.
Formal COVID-19 complaints were down regarding parks and business practices from June 29 to July 5, with 14 and six respectively. Concerns about physical distancing continues to ebb and flow, with six complaints logged most recently, compared to three the previous week, and 10 the week before that.
Proactive park patrols, interactions with the public, and warnings about COVID-19 rules are all down, as well. For instance, 32 warnings were issued to people during this period for things such as keeping six feet away from others, as compared to 39 the previous week and 41 the week prior.
Five tickets were issued for parking violations on Main Street, where a temporary 30-minute limit is in force until Sept. 21 to help local merchants offer curbside pickup and delivery.
When it comes to residential streets in Newmarket, the three-hour parking restriction remains in effect.
“This parking limit helps keep roads and sightlines clear, which is an important safety measure with more children home and playing outside,” a bylaw spokesperson said. “It also clears roads for emergency vehicles and gives space for people to bike.”
But with more vehicles at home due to COVID-19, the town said it will continue to relax its on-street parking exemption program in support of families.
Residents can visit Newmarket parking exemptions to apply for a temporary on-street parking exemption.
At this time, exemptions are free of charge and the 15-day limit has been waived. Permits can be obtained for five days at a time and renewed as long as needed while the exemption limit is lifted.
“On behalf of fellow residents and to keep the roadways safe and free for biking, we encourage those who have space to park in their garage and driveways,” the spokesperson said.
The parking exemption program traditionally runs from April 16 to Oct. 31 and costs $5 per night or $15 for five days.
Exemptions are available for a maximum of 15 days per year. To help families during the pandemic, the fee and cap on days have been lifted as a temporary measure, which is subject to change as people begin to resume more regular activities.
Remember to follow these parking restrictions that are in effect in Newmarket:
- Parking on the west and east side of Main Street is restricted to 30 minutes to assist deliveries and curbside pickup.
- Do not park on the street for more than three consecutive hours or between the hours of 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., unless otherwise posted.
- Do not park on designated fire routes.
- Do not park on or over sidewalks, or boulevards located between the sidewalk and roadway.
