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UPDATE: The City released an update Tuesday morning stating the following:
‘Staff have been working with the PRRD and the operators of the Rotary Campground on this issue. The property is zoned by the PRRD as P-1 – Park and Open Space. Commercial vehicles that are owned by people staying at the campground will be permitted to park there.”
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Fort St. John is working on a plan to prevent long-term parking at the Charlie Lake Boat Launch for those not camping.
The issue started after a photo of multiple industrial trucks parked at the launch was posted to the City’s Facebook page last week. As the launch is within the Peace River Regional District jurisdiction, their bylaw officer contacted the City, who is the property owner.
A ticket was not issued, but the City was asked to develop a compliance plan, said the PRRD.
“Our bylaws officer believes that truckers who are camped at the (Rotary Park) campground are not in violation if they park there, but truckers who aren’t staying there may be in violation if they park long-term. We’re working with the city to clarify and resolve the proper use of the property,” said PRRD Communications Manager Jeff McDonald.
The City’s Manager of Economic Development, Jennifer Decker, said staff are working on a plan that includes signage.
“We are also working with the PRRD to understand what will be permitted under their bylaw. As an example, trucks belonging to individuals staying at the (Rotary Park) campground may park there,” said Decker.
Decker said there had been other semi-trucks in the parking lot who were not utilizing the campground.
She said staff has spoken with the campground operators who had identified the trucks whose owners are staying at the campground.
“Not all of the trucks are owned by people staying there. The City is working with the PRRD to achieve voluntary compliance,” said Decker.
Many residents were defending the truck owners, mentioning they’re staying at the campground due to the lack of truck stops in the city.
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