Parking. It’s one of those subjects that Brampton residents love to talk about. Just like old retirees complaining about the weather— everyone’s got an opinion. Street permit parking is needed— street parking is a blight. It’s OK to block the sidewalk a little— it’s unacceptable to block the sidewalk. The reality is bylaws exist for a reason. Agree or disagree with them, but the law is the law. Life would be more convenient if we could ignore laws and statutes of our choosing— speeding and not paying taxes would make life easier at times. And that’s all we’re talking about here— human convenience. We hate to break it to you— driving is a privilege, not a right enshrined in our Charter. If you can’t afford the parking tickets because you have six cars jammed in your driveway— find a way around it. Rent a parking space or spaces elsewhere or even sell a vehicle or two and flip a coin to see who’s riding the bus that day. Thankfully and rightfully so, the city does not offer permit parking on city streets. Imagine the hassle when snow plows or emergency vehicles have to negotiate the sidestreets in the winter. And besides, do we really want our streets looking like some areas in the Bloor West Village? As far as the sidewalks are concerned, it only makes common sense not to block them. Children, the elderly, or those in wheelchairs shouldn’t be forced around cars or onto the road just to pass by a car that’s blocking the sidewalk. Follow the parking rules or pay the price. Consider the tickets the price of parking on city property— like a Green P lot.
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