Gimli council introduced a new parking bylaw last month that intends to standardize parking rules in the municipality, improve accessibility and safety, and provide enforcement consistency.
Parking Bylaw No. 25-0004 was given first reading at council’s June 25 regular meeting, and council is inviting people to weigh in on the new rules via a brief online survey.
Council’s spokesperson Christine Payne said the new bylaw wasn’t prompted by specific issues. It was, rather, a “proactive step to ensure that parking regulations are clearly defined and enforceable as the community continues to grow.”
Parking rules were once part of the RM’s Traffic Bylaw (No. 18-0022), and all provisions under that bylaw remain in force unless repealed.
The new parking bylaw, which requires two additional readings by council and a majority vote to bring it into effect, addresses a number of prohibited parking scenarios, time-limited parking, seasonal parking, commercial vehicle parking, idling, permit parking, prohibited street parking, and enforcement and towing.
Under the prohibited parking clause, drivers can’t park in front of or within 3 metres (9.8 feet) of a driveway, within 3 metres of a fire hydrant, on a boulevard, sidewalk, curb, median or traffic island, within an intersection, within 9 metres (29.6 feet) of an intersection corner or nearest crosswalk, in a loading zone unless actively loading/unloading, in an accessible stall without a valid permit, in a designated or no parking or temporary suspension zone, and in a manner that obstructs traffic, snow-clearing and emergency access.
Under the time-limited parking clause, drivers can’t beat the system by moving their vehicle to a different spot on the same block when their time is up.
“Where parking time limits are posted, a vehicle may not be re-parked within the same block to avoid a time restriction,” states the bylaw.
Other restrictions include parking a trailer or motorhome on any roadway or shoulder for more than 24 consecutive hours, parking a vehicle in a direction facing oncoming traffic, parking a vehicle on any street for a continuous period longer than seven days. Commercial vehicles exceeding 5,000 kg cannot park in a residential area unless “actively engaged” in delivery or service.
When asked if the RM will be appointing a bylaw officer or designated officer to enforce the pending new parking bylaw, Payne said the RM’s current bylaw officer will be taking on parking enforcement duties.
Under the new bylaw, council can “designate specific parking rules, permits or suspensions” for major events such as the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba’s celebration. When asked if new parking rules will be suspended for the festival, Payne said:
“The RM works closely with the Icelandic Festival to support its parking plan. As this is a new bylaw, there will be a period of public education and awareness before full enforcement begins.”
Council is expected to give second and third readings to the parking bylaw at its July 9 meeting.
Council is also asking for public feedback to the new parking bylaw via a survey that’s available from the municipality’s website. Some of the questions include whether people support the new parking bylaw, whether they’re aware of specific parking restrictions included in the by-law (e.g., distance from driveways, RV/trailer rules, time limits), and whether they have concerns about how the by-law will be enforced.
Other council news:
• Council has yet to provide livestreaming of council meetings but is working on it.
In a June 19 update, [council] said several key actions must be taken such as staff training, equipment adjustments, infrastructure upgrades and the development of policies.
Quotes for new desks have been received and their installation is expected to be completed by the end of July. Existing cameras have to be repositioned or new ones installed. Council has to be provided with “professional development on effective communication and presentation techniques,” and staff have to be familiarized with procedures for handling technical difficulties during livestreaming.
“By addressing these areas, the council can ensure a professional and effective live streaming setup that enhances transparency and public engagement,” states the update. “Proper planning and execution will contribute to a seamless and reliable streaming experience for all stakeholders.”
Council has made budget meetings available, but Payne said those were not livestreamed; they were recorded then posted online afterwards.
“The RM is currently upgrading its infrastructure to support more robust digital services, including the potential for livestreaming in the future. The 2025 capital budget includes funding for fibre-network improvements to municipal buildings, which is a critical step toward enabling consistent and high-quality digital access,” said Payne.
Council will keep residents informed through its monthly digital newsletter that’s available to registered users of Connect Gimli and via social media updates, she added. The public is invited to attend council meetings in person.
• Council requested amendments to the provincial Environment Act and regulations to allow for early and meaningful consultation with neighbouring municipalities on environmental issues.
“On behalf of the Rural Municipality of Gimli, I am writing to express our concern regarding a recent development that has highlighted a critical gap in Manitoba’s environmental review and consultation framework – specifically, the absence of a defined requirement for early and meaningful consultation with bordering municipalities,” wrote mayor Kevin Chudd in a draft letter (posted under council’s agenda) to provincial environment and climate minister Mike Moyes.
Payne said the letter was sent to the minister and they’re in the process of “requesting that the province amend the Environment Act and its regulations to require early and meaningful consultation with bordering municipalities on developments that may impact them.”
When asked what types of developments in bordering municipalities are impacting the RM of Gimli, Payne said all developments.
“All developments have the potential to impact the RM of Gimli, particularly those related to land use, environmental effects and infrastructure demands”.
