Regina residents weigh in on new snow routes pilot program

The City of Regina is moving ahead with its snow routes pilot program and some of those living along the affected streets are wondering how it might impact them.

City council approved the program Monday night, and now during the 2017-18 winter season parking bans will be tested out on stretches of Victoria Avenue, College Avenue and Winnipeg Street after a snowstorm.

Barry May lives on the impacted part of Winnipeg Street near 15th Avenue.

“There’s a lot of people that actually park on this street that work at the hospital and they block anybody that’s coming to my house to visit or anything,” he said.

A parking ban wouldn’t directly affect him, May continued, because he usually parks in his garage. Indirectly though, his drive on the road to and from home could end up being a little smoother.

“If there’s three cars, four cars on the street and they’re plowing the street, well they go around and make a big ridge. When the cars pull out you’re stuck trying to get through that,” described May.

“It doesn’t get cleaned properly.”

Mayor Michael Fougere joined the CJME Morning Show Tuesday to speak about the program. 

“This is a way to make sure we can get through to where we need to go, keep the streets clean and safe, when we have a winter storm,” he said.

At this time, the snow routes and parking bans will only be tested next winter to see how residents respond and to find out how effective the plan is. What the program could evolve to in the future — if it’s implemented permanently — is something the test period could shed light on.

“A lot residents said they like that idea, they support that. Let’s put it into action and see how it works,” Fougere said.

But some drivers still have reservations, like Brittany Lang, who also lives along Winnipeg Street and parks on the road when she can’t use her garage.

“I guess it just depends based on what time of day they’re going to be doing it because if it’s during the day of work hours then it would be fine, but if it’s at night then it would be an issue,” she said.

May was quick to point out for those who do have to move their vehicle, it’s likely only going to be just a few times during the average winter season.

“It’s only going to happen when there’s a snowstorm. It’s not like it’s every day you can’t park there. When it snows, get out, get your car off the street and everything will be good.”