Corner Brook is now facing a dilemma similar to that which St. John’s faced a few years ago regarding parking meters and vandalism.
The capital city went digital as the coin-operated devices were being destroyed by people desperate for money.
Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parsons says they have lost about 90 meters since late January, over half their complement in the downtown.
Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parsons (Facebook)
The west coast city gets about $40,000 a year from parking revenue but spends a lot more in enforcement and other expenses.
Mayor Parsons isn’t sure what’s contributing to the vandalism, but notes that the number of emergency housing units in the downtown is greater now than in past years.
He says the emergency units don’t seem to have the support services required, so they’re seeing a lot more panhandling, vandalism of vehicles, and shoplifting.
