The Town plans to rule on a parking bylaw contravention at 1021 Morningstar Road, where a tractor unit is being stored from time to time.
An Oliver couple is defending their right to park their tractor truck on their property, calling the complaint against them as “malicious.”
Don and Bonnie Thompson appeared in front of Town council on Monday to respond to their bylaw contravention at 1021 Morningstar Road.
Due to a complaint from a local resident, the bylaw officer informed the couple of the contravention. Bylaw 1350 states that no vehicle or equipment exceeding a gross weight of 4,500 kilograms, except a recreational vehicle, may be stored or parked on the property unenclosed.
In information provided by the Town, the complainant’s concern was that a private residence was being used as a “truck terminal,” with daily repairs and early morning starts.
Ernie Krochak, who lives at 1083 Morningstar Road, previously told the Chronicle that the bylaw prohibits this activity.
“They’re using it (the property) as a terminal.”
He also complained of diesel smoke from the tractor unit.
Krochak said he was the subject of bylaw enforcement previously when he placed decorative stones in front of his property.
“I was given 14 days to get rid of the stones, and I complied.”
So Krochak is questioning why the Town is dragging its heel on enforcing this parking bylaw.
Don Thompson agreed with Councillor Jack Bennest who stated there is a good possibility that the complaint is “malicious” in nature.
Don told members of council that his truck is in the driveway no more than 10-12 days a month. He noted the only work he does on it is some fabricating, but no oil changes or grease jobs.
“We do everything we can to not make it intrusive,” Don said.
Bonnie told council that they do not start the truck early (before 7) in the morning or come home late at night (after 10). She noted the tractor unit doesn’t bother any of their immediate neighbours.
Don said people don’t realize how much cities and towns depend on the trucking industry.
“Truck drivers get almost no respect. No matter where you go, truck drivers get no respect,” he stated.
Bonnie pointed out that everything in council chambers came by truck.
Mayor Ron Hovanes acknowledged the need for truckers in the community, but noted the Town has had issues (problems) in the past with the operation of large trucks in neighbourhoods. He added that the majority of bylaws in Oliver are enforced based on complaints.
“Bylaws are there for a reason,” the mayor said.
Bonnie said they know who complained in this case. “He has created problems for nearly everyone on the block.”
Don said it would be too expensive to enclose the tractor unit in a garage on the property.
Bonnie asked if they could continue to have the unit under a “grandfather clause.”
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger suggested storing the unit on Sawmill Road, where other trailers and motorhomes are kept.
But Don explained this would be too burdensome and cost prohibitive.
Hovanes said council will review the issue and make a decision at a later date.
What do you think? Should council strictly enforce the bylaw or let it go? Give us your answer on our website or Facebook.
