The Woodstock Environmental Advisory Committee appeared at council to ask for a change to the city's idling bylaw.
WOODSTOCK - New guidelines could be coming for the length of time you can idle your car in Woodstock.
Member of the Woodstock Environmental Advisory Committee Maryjanne Yusyp was on hand to discuss why they would like to see the bylaw limiting idling to 5 minutes changed to just 2 minutes. "There's a lot of research that idling your car is just bad: it's bad for the environment, it costs money, and it is a waste. It also supports the new city strategic plan where they want people to be more aware of the air quality, and so we thought that this would be a good time to lower the allowable time for car idling."
Yusyp explains the consequences that will result from breaking the by-law. ''What happens is they get a fine or a warning. But really it is a difficult by-law to enforce. What we really have to do is increase the awareness and educate the public." Large markets such as Toronto and Vancouver have become 1 minute idle cities and Yusyp feels Woodstock can follow suit.
City Council appeared to have mixed reactions by the presentation. Councillor Todd Poetter felt this will take the ''Friendly" out of the Friendly City and reduce the amount of traffic downtown. Council decided to bring the issue up again at a later meeting.
"I'm hopeful that when all the information is considered in more depth it will give city council some time to ponder what the implications are, and they will see that it is time for a change," says Yusyp.
The by-law was last reviewed over 15 years ago and currently includes temperature exemptions for different seasons such as in the winter when idling times can be increased.
Stormy Forecast Sparks Special Weather Statement
Maple Leafs Hire New Coach
Impaired Driver Charged on Rest Acres Road
Plattsville to Celebrate 175th Anniversary
Trevor Birtch Mistrial Daily Recap
Norfolk OPP Investigating Serious Collision
Vandalism Reported at Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese
News Poll: FIFA World Cup 2026
ERTH Charity Golf Tournament Raises $45,000
A Positive May for Local Real Estate
Pride Community Rallies in Norwich
Oxford OPP Briefs - June 16th, 2026
Norfolk OPP Briefs - June 15th, 2026
Tillsonburg Candidate Profile - Ron Gasparetto
Interview with the Acting Mayor - June 15th, 2026
Wienerfest Back in Burford Next Weekend
Two Championships, One Weekend
Five Children Killed in Mapleton Township Crash
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Dave Bloxsidge
Pride Family Day in Museum Square
Comments
Add a comment