Whitehorse city council passes parking fine hike, delayed bus fare increase

Whitehorse city council has passed bylaws to increase parking fines in the city, and also delay an increase to bus fares. 

Both passed third reading on Monday without discussion. 

Councillors unanimously approved updates to the city's traffic bylaw which will increase fines for a number of traffic violations in addition to parking tickets, like disposing litter from a vehicle (now set at $250, up from $125) and parking on a sidewalk (now $125, up from $50). 

Meter hours for parking will also be extended to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Currently, metered parking is from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Council set the updated parking fines at $40. People who pay their ticket by the end of the next business day will get a $20 discount.

The new fine was decided after significant discussion on April 14 about balancing a fair increase and sticker shock. The fine is currently $25 with a $15 discount for same-day payment. 

The bylaw hasn't been updated since 2007. City council heard earlier that many of the fines have fallen below the Canadian average. In many other jurisdictions, parking fines are upwards of $50.

The increased fines come into effect on July 1.

Bus fares to be increased incrementally

Council also unanimously agreed to increase bus fares, from the current $2.50 for a single fare to $3 on July 1.

The plan is to increase the fare another 50 cents on July 1, 2026. Council decided against increasing bus fares all at once to mitigate the impact on low-income riders.

Council found room in the budget to slow down the increase, thanks to a surprise boost to the territory's comprehensive municipal grant.

During the second reading debate on April 14, Coun. Paolo Gallina said he wants bus fare to stay at $3. He said the city should focus on expanding service and be cautious of pricing people out of it. Mayor Kirk Cameron responded that the city will need the revenue.

Heritage house owner will receive $20K for repairs

City council also unanimously approved an application for $20,000 to improve a heritage building on Wood Street.

The building is called Hulland House because Jack Hulland lived there while serving as school superintendent, territorial councillor, and Whitehorse High School principal in the 1950s and '60s. 

The owner of the house says it needs significant upgrades to the roof, foundation, windows, doors and siding. The renovations are projected to cost $113,000, but $20,000 is the maximum available under the city's heritage restoration incentive program.