Parking fines can be paid by gifts of toys
By ALAN LICZYK Staff Reporter

An alternative method for paying an overnight parking ticket that involves the donation of a toy to a local charity was adopted by Caledon council recently.

Town staff first learned about a similar program being offered in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville through a Toronto newspaper story. Similar programs are in effect in Niagara Falls and Kingston.

The program adopted by Caledon would apply to overnight parking tickets both issued and paid between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15. Under Caledon's traffic bylaw it is an offence to park a motor vehicle on any street in the municipality from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. If the defendant pays the fine within seven days of the offence the fine is $30. If it's paid within 15 days the fine is $45.

The toy that could be used as payment must equal the amount of the fine in effect when the fine is paid, with a receipt required showing the value of the toy. If the value of the toy is greater than the fine, a refund of the difference won't be given. The toy must be delivered to the Town's legal services department with the receipt included.

The public will be advised of this payment method when they attend court to plead guilty or when they come for a first attendance meeting with the prosecutor.

Caledon Community Services has indicated it will distribute the toys after receiving them from the Town. As an alternative to toys, CCS will accept a cheque to support its programs.

Councillor Annette Groves commented Christmas is a happy time for some but sad for others.

"I think this is a great thing we are doing," she said.

She added a number of families will benefit.

Legal services director Nadia Koltun stressed this is not a conviction-diversion program. The parking ticket conviction will still be on record.

She also pointed out the alternative payment method is only for parking tickets.