Halifax hands out 275 parking tickets so far during World Juniors

Hockey fans in Halifax walked out of Thursday night’s game against Austria with more than a landslide victory for Canada — many also received speeding tickets.

Between 8pm and 9pm on Friday, CTV News counted 65 tickets on the windscreens of vehicles parked near the Scotiabank Centre.

“I think it’s awful,” said Bill Britten, passing by. “With hockey being played in Halifax and parking being limited, they go out and fine all cars.”

On Rainnie Drive — a one-way street that runs alongside Citadel Hill toward the arena — 36 vehicles in a row were issued a $25 ticket to park in a no-stopping zone.

According to Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) spokesman Ryan Nearing, the city has distributed about 275 tickets on the streets around the Scotiabank Center since Boxing Day – the official start of World Juniors.

Nearing said most of the violations were due to drivers not obeying posted signs, such as no parking or no stopping. CTV News also spotted a vehicle displayed for parking in an accessible lot.

“Our main message to people is that you pay attention to the signs on the street where you park to make sure you know what the regulations are,” Nearing said.

Fines range from $25 to $45 depending on the violation. Drivers who pay for the ticket within a week pay a little less. Nearing said the street signs are in place for a reason.

“Sometimes there may be a need to maintain access for emergency vehicles or other commercial vehicles. Pedestrians or cyclists may have the right of way. Or to protect parking for residents who rely on parking on that street,” he said.

From June 1 through September, the HRM gave out parking tickets to drivers who spent $35 at a local business to boost business for downtown entrepreneurs struggling because of the pandemic. This program expired at the end of September.

Some residents, like Scott MacKinnon, believe the HRM should relax parking restrictions.

“That’s how people come downtown and spend money on restaurants and bars,” Mackinnon said. “Parking is a problem.”

While some drivers told CTV News that finding a parking space downtown wasn’t difficult, others found it challenging.

“This machine is unfamiliar to me,” said Sandra Van Der Made, pointing to an electronic parking meter. “I have a few favorite places. I have a secret place that I will not share.”

Scotia Square Parkade operators say there were still seats available during games, particularly at higher levels. A full day’s parking is $26, while evening parking is $10.

Anyone who has received a ticket from HRM can dispute it within 14 days or pay for the ticket within seven days and pay a little less.