Corner Brook removes parking meters following spike in downtown vandalism

The mayor of Corner Brook says a sharp increase in the vandalism and theft of the city's parking meters has prompted officials to remove them altogether.

Speaking with CBC News on Wednesday, Jim Parsons said 91 of the city's 166 parking meters — or about 54 per cent of all meters — have been vandalized since Jan. 25.

"We've had issues in the past where you'd have a few metres vandalized or stolen, cut off or stolen. But yes, this has been remarkable," Parsons said.

"Certainly is very frustrating for the businesses and for the city itself."

For now, the city has decided to cease parking enforcement — meaning drivers won't get ticketed.

Other parking options are also being explored, Parsons said, like digital options used in other municipalities.

"The mechanical meters that we've been using over the last number of years, they're getting old and in fact it's hard to find parts for them," he said. "This has really hastened the need to do a new system."

WATCH | Corner Brook mayor says the downtown has seen an increase in petty crime:

A spike in vandalism means parking metres are being removed in downtown Corner Brook

21 days ago

Duration 1:23

City enforcement staff are removing 166 parking metres after more than 90 have been damaged since the end of January. Mayor Jim Parsons says the city is exploring new parking options, but the bigger issue is an increase in petty crime in the area.

Parsons said each meter costs thousands to replace. The city makes about $40,000 a year in parking revenue, he said, but enforcement costs exceed that.

The parking meters are one example of what Parsons said is an increase in vandalism in downtown Corner Brook.

"Some smashed windows and things like that. Of course we don't want to see any ... increase in break-ins or other inconvenience crimes. You know, the cause of this is not exactly known. I suspect it has to do with increased addiction and mental health issues in the downtown," he said.

CBC News asked the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for an interview, but the force declined to make anyone available.

In an emailed statement, RNC director of communications Danielle Barron said police arrested a 21-year-old man on Feb. 17 in connection with the vandalism of parking meters. He was charged with mischief and failing to comply with a release order.

Parsons said the removal of meters could result in other petty crime, but added the city is in constant contact with the RNC.

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