Prince Albert seeks stunting solutions after years of parking lot complaints

The main trouble spot, Edwards clarified, is the large parking lot beside the skate park. He warned closing that area could simply push drivers into the lot immediately beside the arena.

Edwards said he supports young people using the space to socialize, but relying on police to continually monitor driving behaviour has not resolved the issue.

“I actually think it’s a pretty good location to hang out at,” he said.

He suggested barriers within the lot could be among the options examined, although they could complicate snow removal. He also said he wants an affordable solution that keeps the lot accessible.

A photo taken of the black tire marks made in August of 2020 in the parking lot area of the Art Hauser Centre. (Image Credit: File photo/ Prince Albert Police Service)

The discussion follows years of complaints and proposals for stronger enforcement.

In August 2020, targeted police patrols around the facility resulted in 10 charges under the Traffic Safety Act in one evening. Seven were for stunting and excessive noise. Police said the patrols followed public complaints about noise and safety.

By September 2021, Edwards was reporting activity between 3:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. and warning frustrated residents might confront drivers themselves.

Then-police chief Jon Bergen said officers had been monitoring the lot and issuing tickets, but the penalty was not providing a significant deterrent.

In June 2022, then-mayor Greg Dionne proposed impounding vehicles involved in stunting. Edwards said the activity was also occurring during early evening hockey games, prompting complaints from hockey arena and ball diamond users and confrontations involving parents.

The Board of Police Commissioners subsequently asked council to consider a stunting bylaw and cameras, citing noise, property and landscaping damage, and the potential for serious injuries. A May 2023 city follow-up said existing cameras could capture vehicles but could not capture licence plate numbers.

The safety concerns became tangible in May this year when a speeding driver lost control while turning in the south parking lot and struck two parked vehicles.

All three vehicles required towing. One person sitting in the box of a parked vehicle suffered minor injuries, and the driver received a ticket for driving without due care and attention.

Monday’s vote sets the stage for another examination of potential solutions. Specific measures and any funding will be considered after administration brings its report back to council.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Prince Albert seeks stunting solutions after years of parking lot complaints

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