Only in Nanaimo?

[Tenspot]

With all the bureaucrats and functionaries, the over taxation to fund the rainy day (slush fund?) for pet projects, something is wrong. Sidewalks were invented for people to walk on.
In Nanaimo, they build sidewalks to to put power poles, traffic signals, mail boxes and anything else they can think of on. Attached is a photo that illustrates this, but is not the only occurance in Nanaimo.
Add to this the misconception that snow removal is the responsibility of home/business owners, and that the City is not responsible for accidents occuring on sidewalks, and has a fine structured in for those that don't clear their sidewalks. http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/03/17/d...the-sidewalks/ *A quote from the article follows.*
(Some civic politicians may hope off-loading responsibility for snow removal will help them avoid lawsuits. But a municipality cannot dodge its liability for slips and falls on icy sidewalks simply because it forces homeowners to do the job. According to a 2000 Ontario Court of Appeal decision that has been cited nationwide, “snow and ice accumulating on public sidewalks . . . are the legal responsibility of the municipality, not the property owner.” And this holds regardless of bylaws or fines. The city owns the sidewalk and is ultimately responsible for keeping it clear.)
So, with all the obstacles on our sidewalks, City wide, and the City trying to deny responsibility for snow clearing, City and it's Public Works leaves a lot to desire.
My rant for this week.

[All Ages Music Concerts]

With all the bureaucrats and functionaries, the over taxation to fund the rainy day (slush fund?) for pet projects, something is wrong. Sidewalks were invented for people to walk on.
In Nanaimo, they build sidewalks to to put power poles, traffic signals, mail boxes and anything else they can think of on. Attached is a photo that illustrates this, but is not the only occurance in Nanaimo.
Add to this the misconception that snow removal is the responsibility of home/business owners, and that the City is not responsible for accidents occuring on sidewalks, and has a fine structured in for those that don't clear their sidewalks. http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/03/17/d...the-sidewalks/ *A quote from the article follows.*
(Some civic politicians may hope off-loading responsibility for snow removal will help them avoid lawsuits. But a municipality cannot dodge its liability for slips and falls on icy sidewalks simply because it forces homeowners to do the job. According to a 2000 Ontario Court of Appeal decision that has been cited nationwide, “snow and ice accumulating on public sidewalks . . . are the legal responsibility of the municipality, not the property owner.” And this holds regardless of bylaws or fines. The city owns the sidewalk and is ultimately responsible for keeping it clear.)
So, with all the obstacles on our sidewalks, City wide, and the City trying to deny responsibility for snow clearing, City and it's Public Works leaves a lot to desire.
My rant for this week.

Excellent point made!!

[Gail]

Very excellent observation!

[Tenspot]

...there is none. 1 month, 309 views, I'm surprised that there were only the 2 original comments. Never picked up by the media, political activists, council or City 'crats.
I don't think that other cities les the electric company indiscriminately put poles or the Post Office put letter boxes on sidewalks.
My thing about the snow on sidewalks should have hit a nerve somewhere. Perhaps the City's lawyers told them that they should just keep quiet. Strange, but then again, "This is Nanaimo".

[yorway]

Unfortunately the city bureaucrats won't comment on such articles because they don't want to draw any attention to the fact that they are responsible for the clearing of sidewalks even though they download the responsibility to the home owners with the threat of fines. They would rather keep quiet and not draw attention to the fact that it is their responsibility therefore perpetuating the idea that it is the responsibility of the home owners.
Do the utility owners and post office have to get permission from the city to plant poles and mail boxes on the sidewalks or does the city just build the sidewalks around the power poles? Has anyone the answer ?

[Tenspot]

2 months 500 reads. <BUMP>

[queen of the waterfront]

Lol!I dont know how I missed this thread. Great stuff!I a have been working on the balckberies on Pine Stret. city works keeps promising but nothing done yet!

[Tenspot]

Lol!I dont know how I missed this thread. Great stuff!I a have been working on the balckberies on Pine Stret. city works keeps promising but nothing done yet!

An idea, call "The goat renter guy". ROFL And send the bill to City hall.