It is well known that unauthorized parking in some parking lots in downtown Sydney, N.S., would run a significant risk of your vehicle being booted - and quickly. “I have people monitor the parking lots here 24 hours a day,” said towing company owner Kevin MacEachern. “All of them.” Some residents have complained to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality about towing companies watching parking lots so they can boot vehicles for a high removal price. However, MacEachern said he and his staff are simply doing their jobs - enforcing private parking for the businesses that hire them. “If people can’t read (the signs), that’s their problem,” MacEachern said. The issue was an agenda item during Tuesday’s CBRM Committee of the Whole meeting, where several councillors talked about the complaints they have been getting and the consistency among them. “It’s the same story,” said District 5 Councillor, Eldon MacDonald. “They are getting charged about $285 cash, no receipts.” MacDonald, a councillor for the downtown, is suggesting that removal prices should perhaps be regulated, adding that city staff will soon begin collecting information about this. “We’ll be looking at the fees that are being charged, fees that are being charged elsewhere in the province and potentially Atlantic Canada,” MacDonald said. “But the fee seems to be exorbitant to me, $285.” MacEachern confirmed that his price for removing a boot is $285, taxes included. “Cash or e-transfer – we prefer e-transfer – and receipts are issued for every boot that is put on,” MacEachern said. MacEachern added that he does not think city council has any right to weigh-in on what a business like his charges, adding that soon he will be charging even more. “I will let you know right now, as of Monday, October 12, my price is going up to $350 plus tax per boot,” MacEachern said. “People want to complain about it? Let them complain now.” MacDonald said staff will be reporting back on what jurisdiction the municipality does – and does not – have on the matter. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
