Everyone loves a parade. Well, maybe not everyone.
The Santa Claus parade was not merry for a group of seniors that visited the Sunshine City on a chilly weekend in November.
To celebrate the conclusion of their “friends weekend away,” the group of eight from Kitchener-Waterloo opted for a “lovely lunch” in downtown Orillia.
“After lunch, we came out of the restaurant to find all three of our vehicles had been towed,” said Gail Bebenek in a letter to Mayor Steve Clarke. Also in the car were their “husbands’ coats and cell phones,” she noted.
“The experience left us shocked, freezing and very upset,” wrote Bebenek.
It also left them on the hook for more than $350 in unexpected towing costs and fines.
“There were other cars parked on the street, so we had no indication that parking on the road would be an issue,” said Bebenek. “In addition, the weather was below 0, members of our party had no coats and were over 70 years old. We froze.”
She wrote the group “was shocked to experience this in” Orillia.
Bebenek wants the city to better inform people - especially visitors - about events such as parades that could lead to vehicles being towed.
She suggested “signs (be) posted so that out-of-town guests and the general public (are) aware.”
She also asked for her money back.
Clarke sent a letter to Bebenek, saying it was not possible to waive the charges.
“I hope you understand that although we will look into ways we can ensure better communication, I cannot reverse all of the charges,” the mayor wrote.
Clarke also noted in his letter that "No Parking" signs were erected (on the meters) at least three hours before the parade.
He also told Bebenek he has shared her concerns with the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the parade.
“I have received assurances from the Chamber's Managing Director that this matter will be
discussed with the Parade Committee,” the mayor wrote. “In turn, the Committee will consider ideas on how to ensure that future parade routes are kept clear.
“Based on your feedback we will look at the potential of the Chamber and/or OPP erecting signs at the various intersections along the route to advise residents and visitors that a parade is planned for that particular day and that vehicles must remain off the street during certain hours.”
