Commercial Vehicles May Invade The "Burbs!"

On May 19th, Collingwood Council passed a number of motions (#'s 288 to 293) pertaining to a By-Law change that will permit commercial vehicles up to a designated size ie: cube vans etc. to be parked in residential areas around Town.

The proposed change would permit a maximum of one (1) commercial vehicle similar to the one pictured here to be parked at a residential dwelling provided that it is not higher than 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) or longer that 7.5 meters (24.6 feet). Although this pending By-Law change is not widely known amongst Collingwood residents, those that are aware of it are vehemently opposed.

Notwithstanding the significant size of these vehicles, most are typically lettered or as is the trend now, wrapped with large pictures and other graphics hardly of which can be said to "enhance" neighbourhood aesthestics. Other concerns also exist. As one citizen has pointed out, many residential areas in Collingwood do not have sidewalks and the presence of large commercial vehicles creates a safety issue for children as well as for physically challenged and or wheelchair bound residents etc. Many communities throughout the province have via way of municipal by-laws, subdivision covenants and or condo corporation rules, restirctions with not only the parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones but also other large items such as boats, motorhomes etc.

Two years ago, the real estate community was under pressure from the Town regarding the use of "Open House" signs. Their use did not conform with the Town's sign By-Law and some apparently felt that real estate signs were an unsightly addition to the Town's landscape. The local real estate Board ultimately reached an agreement with the Town limiting the use and placement of Open House signs around the community. Open House signs as most will agree are rather small innocuous signs that are up for a few hours mostly on weekends. On the other hand, permitting a large commercial vehicle which may contain lettering and other graphics, to be parked in residential areas is like erecting a small billboard which under this new By-Law is okay. I don't get it.

This contentious issue comes before Council again on Monday June 8th and I would encouraged any residents concerned with this issue to attend. I know that I will.