Newmarket plans to give you a break if you park somewhere on the street overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Town council directed staff Dec. 13 not to enforce parking restrictions on those holidays. Instead, staff will communicate with the public to work with the town in case of inclement weather. Mayor John Taylor asked for the resolution and said it is done in some other communities.
Councillor Bob Kwapis said it was a good idea and could help prevent drinking and driving.
“I have in the past received a few emails and concerns from various establishments where somebody had a little bit too much, and they didn’t feel responsible enough to take their car,” he said. “I really would not want want to see us forcing somebody to remove the vehicle that was not really meant to be there, but the customer did the responsible thing and did not take the car home.”
Town clerk Lisa Lyons said that municipal staff does not necessarily enforce parking on those holidays regardless, though that was informal. She noted there is also an off-street parking program in place where you can book to use several municipal parking lots online, including off-hours.
Taylor said the only concern is a snowstorm, given the need for plows to push snow off the road.
But development and infrastructure services commissioner Peter Noehammer said that the town will communicate if that happens.
“If there is a weather event, we can reinforce the alternative parking areas that will be encouraged as well,” he said. “The messaging will turn to do so safely and to assist groomers in opening up the streets.”
Council wished the public a happy holiday as they completed their last meeting of the year.
“It’s been a couple of hard years, and I think everyone can use the break the holidays provide,” Taylor said. “I hope we can all get that time to rest and relax and enjoy the season.
