The Blue Mountains council would like local school bus drivers to have the option to park their buses on town property when not in use.
At its meeting on Aug. 28, council considered a request from Thornbury resident and school bus driver Glenn Rylott to park his bus on town property at either the Beaver Valley Community Centre or the Tomahawk recreation complex. Rylott is a driver for Landmark Bus Lines and drives local students to Catholic schools in Collingwood.
Ryan Gibbons, the town’s director of community services, said past requests to park commercial vehicles on town property during off hours had been denied by the town. Although, in his letter to council, Rylott indicated he has parked his bus on town land the past three years.
Members of council decided it was time to review that policy.
“They are providing a public service for school kids. This is a community service,” said Coun. Alex Maxwell.
Coun. Shawn McKinlay pointed out that local bus companies have experienced a shortage of drivers in recent years and council should take that into consideration.
“This is one person trying to do his job. There is a huge shortage (of drivers),” said McKinlay, who said parking at the Tomahawk lot wouldn’t bother anybody. “It’s not hindering anybody. It’s a large, large parking area. If we can help someone. We should.”
Coun. Paula Hope agreed.
“We should do everything we can. Why not make things easy for these folks if we can?” she asked.
Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon suggested town staff have conversations with local bus companies about the issue to ensure any liability and insurance questions are answered. The deputy mayor said a request from a local driver to park a bus on a town-owned lot, is different from a request from the bus company itself.
In a 7-0 vote, council approved the parking request provided an agreement can be reached with the bus company itself.
