The City of Saint John, New Brunswick, is considering a significant increase in penalties for common winter infractions. Municipal officials have put forward a proposal to double the fines for parking violations and snow ban offences during the upcoming winter season.
Details of the Proposed Fine Increases
The plan, reported on December 16, 2025, would see the current penalties for illegal parking and violations of seasonal snow removal bans rise by 100 per cent. This move is aimed at improving compliance and ensuring critical snow clearing operations can proceed without obstruction. The discussion comes as the city recently dealt with a significant snowfall, like the one that blanketed uptown Saint John on December 8, 2025.
Rationale for Stricter Enforcement
The primary motivation behind the proposed hike is public safety and operational efficiency. When vehicles are parked illegally during snow bans, they impede municipal crews from effectively plowing and clearing streets. This can delay emergency services, create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and other drivers, and increase the overall cost and time required for snow removal. By increasing the financial deterrent, the city hopes to achieve better compliance, leading to safer and clearer roads for all residents.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
If approved, the new fine structure would represent one of the stricter municipal enforcement regimes in the region for winter parking. Residents and visitors to Saint John will need to be more vigilant about checking for posted parking signs and declared snow bans. The proposal is currently under review by city council, and a final decision is expected before the deepest part of the winter season sets in. This initiative underscores the ongoing challenges Canadian municipalities face in managing winter infrastructure and public safety.
While the article by Nick Moore did not specify the exact current and proposed fine amounts, the core fact remains: Saint John is actively seeking tools to enhance winter street management through substantially increased penalties for non-compliance.
