This Sask. city lets drivers pay parking tickets with toys

Getting a parking ticket can be frustrating but one Saskatchewan city has found a way to add a festive twist. Stacey Hein has the story.

Parking fines can be frustrating, but in North Battleford, they’re bringing holiday cheer instead.

Over the past few weeks, drivers have been able to pay off parking tickets by donating a toy of equal or greater value.

“I don’t encourage people to park illegally, but this is probably the one time of year I do,” said Lindsay Holm, director of protective services with the City of North Battleford.

When drivers receive a ticket, it includes a slip outlining the “Toys for Tickets” option. They can then bring a toy and a receipt to City Hall, and the city will cancel the ticket.

The program, now in its third year, was suggested by a city clerk after seeing a similar idea in Alberta. It requires city council approval and has been a hit with residents.

“It’s been really well received by the public, and people have been fairly generous when they’re bringing in a toy to take care of their ticket,” Holm said.

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All toys collected are donated to local charities. Last year, the program filled three truckloads of toys for the food bank’s holiday hampers. This year, donations are going to Battlefords Interval House, a women’s shelter.

“A lot of times, families leave everything behind when they come to us. Having gifts like this for clients in the house means a lot because their kids can have toys,” said Dannette Quinn, acting executive director at Interval House.

The program ran from Dec. 1 to 19. As the season wraps up, the toys will soon be delivered, bringing Christmas cheer to families in North Battleford.