Struggling drivers causing parking chaos to visit food bank are hit with $40 tickets – but people blame the city’s rules

Drivers who were struggling to get to a food pantry were given $40 parking citations, which infuriated them.

Locals blasted the city’s parking regulations as “unreasonable” and said they would make charitable endeavors more difficult.

While picking up or dropping off food at The Sharing Place Food Centre in Orillia, Canada, volunteers and guests have complained about being hit with fines.

Restrictions on Dufferin Street, where the food bank is located, are said to be the cause of the $40 fees.

Although there is a parking lot, patrons complain that it is constantly full due to the great demand for food support.

As a result, they must park on the street, where they are vulnerable to enforcement.

On one side of the road, parking is currently completely prohibited.

There are only a few spots available on the opposite side from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Local resident John told Orillia Matters: “The food bank’s clientele has increased dramatically, and the parking lot just cannot accommodate the excess demand.

“The parking limitations there are irrational, and it’s forcing people onto the street.

“The road isn’t even congested.

“A $40 ticket can be devastating for someone already struggling financially.”

According to John, some people were “in tears” after receiving a ticket.

He went on: “This could be resolved with some controlled overflow parking on the street or possibly at the neighboring McKinnell Square Park.

“The solution is straightforward.

“Let’s be compassionate and empathetic toward those who are most in need.

“Instead of ticketing them, we ought to be helping them.

“This seems like an easy one to fix.”

In an effort to find a solution, The Sharing Place’s executive director, Chris Peacock, said that his team was communicating with the municipal council and the neighbors of the property.

According to Melissa Gowanlock, the city’s communications manager, the parking restrictions were implemented in response to resident complaints and were intended to preserve public safety and traffic flow.

She did, however, pledge to look for a solution that does not penalize food bank consumers.

“We acknowledge the critical role that organizations like the Sharing Place play in helping individuals and families,” she stated.

“[We] are committed to working collaboratively to find practical solutions that balance access, safety, and community needs.”

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