Skip to content

District of Fort St. James wants feedback on proposed anti-idling bylaw

A new anti-idling bylaw is being looked at by the District of Fort St. James and they want to hear from the community.

A new anti-idling bylaw is being looked at by the District of Fort St. James and they want to hear from the community.

The proposed bylaw would make Fort St. James an idle-free zone, meaning that leaving your empty vehicle idling for more than three minutes would become a ticket-able offence within the district.

The bylaw does have an exemption for persons sitting in a running vehicle in very cold temperatures.

A ticket could be issued for $25 if a person were found to be in contravention of the bylaw.

The district is asking for feedback on the bylaw before passing it.

Mayor Sandra Harwood says that the district is under some constraint because they have signed on to the Climate Action Charter and need to work to reduce emissions, but she’s not necessarily convinced the bylaw is the way to go because of the colder northern climate.

“I don’t think it’s necessary and I don’t think it’s enforceable,” says Harwood.

“I think we have to temper the idea of a perfect world with what’s workable.”

Any members of the community can send comments to the district via Facebook (District of Fort St. James) or Twitter (@DSFJames) or the old-fashioned telephone at 250-996-8233.