Hundreds of Calgarians were handed tickets for not moving their vehicles out to the way of snow clearing crews, after a snow route parking ban was declared for Wednesday morning.
Parking officers issued 600 tickets across the city by 4:30 p.m., CTV reports.
Some violators said they weren't aware a ban was declared and a few were forgiven if the vehicle was impossible to move, Global News reports.
“If an officer observes an extreme weather situation—extensive drifting, that type of thing—they do have discretion to not issue a tag, ticket in that situation,” said Miles Dyck from the Calgary Parking Authority.
Despite the number of tickets, Calgarians are more cooperative during the bans than they have ever been, Dyck told the Calgary Herald.
“It does appear that compliance is improving compared to snow events of the past. We’re pleased but we’d like to see higher compliance.”
The fine for the offence is $75 or $40 if paid within 10 days.
A snow route parking ban was issued after the city, and many parts of Alberta, were hit by a blizzard earlier this week. Crews continue to clear roads and apply gravel as temperatures dipped following the blizzard.
Country Hills Boulevard between Metis Trail and Barlow Trail northeast and 36 Street northeast between 80 Avenue and Country Hills Boulevard remain closed because of heavy accumulations and drifts of snow.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi kicked off the 10th year running of the Snow Angels campaign on Wednesday, a program that encourages Calgarians to help neighbours clear sidewalks of snow.
Some posted their adventurous and kind snow clearing efforts on Twitter:
“Calgary is a place where community members care about each other,” said Nenshi in a statement.
“Helping your neighbour keep their walks clear is not only important so sidewalks are passable, it’s important because it’s part of how we look out for one another.”
As the city continues to dig itself out of the snow and implement a seven day snow clearing plan, the snow route parking ban remains in effect until further notice.
Cold temperatures are in the forecast for Calgary for the rest of the week and Friday and Saturday are expected to be sunny.
A high of -22 C, -34 C with wind chill, is in the forecast for Thursday, according to Environment Canada.
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