A small business owner in Cambridge has shared her difficulties with the city’s parking rules.
Toni Stupica runs Ritual and Rose Inc., a new-age store located at the corner of Main and Ainslie streets. She appeared on The Mike Farwell Show and mentioned that things went smoothly when she first opened earlier this year.
“Then all of a sudden, in mid-May, I started getting ticketed. I thought maybe it was during events, or they were enforcing the two hours. But, I displayed my handicap permit that I have because I have a disability.”
The parking lot behind Toni’s shop has a two-hour limit, but she hoped the bylaw officers would overlook her car due to her permit. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
The tickets kept piling up and soon added up to $800. Toni said she contacted the city about it.
“When I called the City of Cambridge, I was informed it doesn’t matter that I have a disability, that I’m to park by the Cambridge Food Bank and walk. It’s about a 300-meter walk because that is a 12-hour parking lot.”
Toni has back issues limiting her movement, so walking 300 meters some days is just not doable for her.
Other places like Toronto take accessible permits into account and let drivers with those permits ignore time limits. When Toni asked if something like that could happen here in Cambridge, she was told no.
“They (bylaw officers) are not permitted to have any discretion whatsoever. They adhere very strictly,” said Toni. She added that it’s starting to feel personal.
“It’s the same identification of the same officer, so they’re actually targeting my car. It feels like exploitation, to be completely honest.”
570 News Radio reached out to the City of Cambridge for comment and got this response:
“The City’s bylaw enforcement staff operate based on the current parking regulations approved by Council, which include time limits and payment requirements that apply to all users, including those with accessible parking permits. Officers do not have discretion to override bylaws and are required to enforce them consistently.
“We are aware that some larger municipalities, such as Toronto, offer broader exemptions for permit holders. The City does offer the option to purchase a monthly parking permit for a nearby lot at Water St. S.
If the individual wishes to contest their tickets or request a review, they are encouraged to follow the process outlined on their parking infraction notice or contact the City.”
Toni feels it’s unfair as a business owner having to buy a parking pass for her own store. She also points out these monthly passes cost money her small business can’t really spare right now.
Toni said she keeps talking with officials hoping they can come up with a fair solution.
