Enforcements to deter motorists from parking against traffic in Stettler have been stepped up by town officials.
“During the winter months, concerns arose at Stettler Hospital, where vehicles were reported to be parking driver’s side to the curb of the road and creating a traffic hazard as vehicles parking and leaving the area were crossing the oncoming lanes of traffic,” bylaw enforcement officer Kevin Duval said in a report to town council.
Since notices were posted in January, the parking situation has “greatly improved,” with far fewer vehicles parking illegally, he said.
During the spring and summer months, parking enforcement has focused on unattached trailers, recreational trailers and motor homes parking on town streets, vehicles parking in alleys, parked improperly or obstructing a street or alley, and parked on or on town property or parkland.
Nuisance and unsightly properties will also be enforced for garbage and tall grass and weeds and weed control.
“A warning will be issued to remedy the bylaw infraction,” Duval said.
“If no action is taken, a notice of inspection will be issued to advise the property owner that an officer will be entering the property to determine the extent of unsightly issues.”
Bylaw officers will also monitor the dog and cat bylaws, which he said will need to be reviewed and changed this year to update current issues and situations.
“I want to patrol dogs as much as possible, particularly in West Stettler Park and Cold Lake,” Duval said.
With a concern by some councillors about geese around Cold Lake and crows in town, council plans to discuss the issues with officials of fish and wildlife which has authority on these creatures.
Duval also informed council that he and his employer, Alberta Animal and Municipal Enforcement Services, have acquired a new communications system for $7,000 at no cost to the town to allow patrols to communicate better on the same frequency with the town radio program,
That would help improve officer safety, better communication with town office and employees, and quicker response time to calls.