The Highway 2 corridor in Nanton is going to be getting some extra attention, as the Town will be increasing enforcement activity this year.
Nanton town council and other stakeholders have raised concerns about the appearance, safety, and land use bylaw compliance of several areas on the Highway 2 North corridor, which can negatively affect the community's safety and image.
This corridor is a mixture of commercial, park, and light industrial areas, and the area needs to be used efficiently and respectfully.
Over the last couple of years, several persistent problems have been noted in several locations in the corridor, including trespassing/camping/loitering on Town-owned property (which carries a possible fine of $1,000 per violation), unsightly vacant properties, illegal non-conforming or unpermitted uses on vacant private land (which has a possible $500 fine per violation), and illegal parking on specific highway and street locations by heavy vehicles (which has various bylaw and provincial ticket fines).
While there have been these persistent problems happening, there are ways to prevent enforcement from happening and a fine being issued.
It's advised to maintain vacant land and the vegetation on it so the property has a reasonably tidy appearance, the sidewalk adjacent to the property has to be maintained and have the snow and ice removed, stored equipment and material must not spillover onto town-owned land, and residents must apply for development permits or rezoning prior to beginning a new use at a new location.
On top of that, people must obtain a business license from the Town (or make sure it is updated) prior to starting a new business at a new location, as well as understanding how the property's land use district the property belongs to and what is permitted to happen on the property.
Those who are driving heavy vehicles in Nanton must follow the proper signage in town, and street parking is restricted in town.
Parking in front of fire hydrants and parking or leaving a vehicle unattended on the shoulder of Highway 2 is prohibited, and placing a sandwich board or other potential hazards near pedestrian crossings is not allowed.
While the Town will be increasing enforcement, Town Council and administration are open to hearing ideas that will help to improve the appearance and safety of the Highway 2 corridor.
To learn more about the enforcement and how to send in ideas to improve the corridor, click here.