School has resumed for Paul Kane students and opportunities await them, the City of St. Albert and the RCMP. Students could learn about mobility needs and issues affecting those less able. Students with vehicles have an opportunity to respect people and public property and to learn to obey some simple parking laws. In disregarding the parking privileges of paying customers of Fountain Park pool students are being irresponsible, unlawful and disrespectful in using the pool lot for their gain. This is an ongoing problem at Fountain Park pool, one that increases with cold or rainy weather. Secondly, the City/RCMP have numerous opportunities to make extra cash from the illegal parkers. It is easy money because of the predictable nature of set class times, and because of repeat offenders. Many students are seen leaving their vehicle at Fountain Park and walking across to the school. Some, when confronted, become belligerent, saying that they are unaware that the lot is off limits to Paul Kane or will drive away to park in another part of the Fountain Park lot. Others leave the area only to return shortly to park again when they believe the confronter has left. For example, one white truck driven by a student has been parked repeatedly in the Fountain Park lot the entire winter season. Fountain Park pool parking lot is not a fee-free area for Paul Kane; it is for fee paying Fountain Park pool customers. This problem needs resolution and a simpler solution. It is wonderful to see so many adults, 80 and 90 years of age, regularly joining the aqua-size classes. Exercise is essential as the years pass; but getting to the pool is half the battle. Many with hip, knee, back or other problems use the pool for rehabilitation, post stroke or surgery, as well, to prevent problems. With icy road conditions, being able to park in the lot is essential to the safety and convenience of many customers. Money for city coffers is predictably available from these frequent offenders if the bylaw officer would regularly patrol the pool lot and fine the offenders. When reporting these occurrences, we are met with obstacles that discourage reporting. When customers report offenders’ licence plates to the pool staff, staff says they are told they must report the offenders themselves. How is this possible from indoors, when staff must handle the incoming customers? I have also reported the offenders (with licence numbers) to the RCMP who warn that one must plan to be in court to testify against the offenders. I have also reported the issue to the Paul Kane principal, all to no avail. Parking violations on the street are so simple to apply, yet, so difficult at Fountain Park, especially when help is forthcoming from customers. Why is this issue not being taken seriously by the city, or the RCMP, when it is so easy to monitor? We hope that someone will accept responsibility for this problem. Sheron Pickard, St. Albert
