Town of St. Marys making changes to Traffic and Parking By-law

The Town of St. Marys is aiming to improve road and trail safety with its new Traffic and Parking by-law. The by-law was approved by Town Council on May 9, 2023, and will take effect on August 1, 2023.

The new by-law will allow the use of off-road vehicles on local streets between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Those who choose to drive off-road vehicles on the street will be subject to regulations outlined in the Highway Traffic Act. The Act includes requirements around driver and vehicle licensing, insurance, and helmets, as well as strict speed limits, which are set lower than those for regular vehicles.

“This change will improve pedestrian safety by reducing the use of off-road vehicles on our trails and in our parks,” says Jed Kelly, Director of Public Works. “It will also create consistency in how off-road vehicles are used and regulated in St. Marys and the surrounding area.”

The decision to allow off-road vehicles on St. Marys’ streets was made in consultation with Stratford Police Services, who will be responsible for enforcing the rules set out in the by-law.

The new by-law will also see an increase to fines for parking infractions in St. Marys. The current early voluntary payment rate of $20 for most parking infractions will increase to $50, while the set fine of $30 will increase to $70. The new amounts have been set to ensure fines cover the administrative costs of issuing and processing parking infractions.  

Other significant changes in the new by-law include the creation of two new Community Safety Zones – one on James St. N near the Grand Trunk Trail crossing and the other on Water St. S near the St. Marys Quarry. Speeds in these areas will be reduced to 40 km per hour and fines for traffic infractions will be increased. Two new pedestrian crossovers will also be installed in the same locations.

A copy of the new by-law and additional information about traffic and parking in St. Marys is available at www.townofstmarys.com/parking. Questions about the new by-law can be directed to Jed Kelly, Director of Public Works at 519-284-2340, ext. 244.

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For media inquiries:
Stacey Frayne, Marketing and Communications Specialist
519-284-2340, ext. 218 | sfrayne@town.stmarys.on.ca