Toronto, ON – As of today, Toronto residents will be facing steeper parking fines, and former city councillor Olivia Chow is standing by the decision.
Chow, who is now a professor at Ryerson University, defended the increase in parking fines during an interview with CTV News. “I don’t apologize for that at all,” she stated firmly.
The new parking fines, which were approved by city council last year, will see an increase of $10 for minor infractions and up to $50 for more serious offenses. This means that parking in a no-stopping zone will now cost $150, while parking in a fire route will cost $450.
Chow explained that the increase in fines is necessary to deter drivers from breaking the rules and to improve traffic flow in the city. “We have to make sure that people don’t park in front of fire hydrants, don’t park in front of driveways, don’t park in front of fire routes,” she said.
According to Chow, the previous fines were not enough of a deterrent, and the city was losing millions of dollars in potential revenue. “We have to make sure that people understand that there are consequences for breaking the rules,” she added.
The decision to increase parking fines has been met with mixed reactions from Toronto residents. Some believe that the steeper fines will make a difference in reducing traffic congestion and improving safety, while others feel that it is simply a way for the city to make more money.
However, Chow stands by the decision and believes that it will ultimately benefit the city and its residents. “We have to make sure that our streets are safe, that our emergency vehicles can get through, and that our city is livable,” she stated.
The new parking fines are just one of the many changes being implemented in Toronto as the city continues to grow and evolve. And while some may not agree with the increase, Chow remains confident that it is a necessary step towards creating a better and safer city for all.
