Residents of the Sonder House complex might get some relief from late night partying at the city’s overflow Terrace Sportsplex parking lot, located immediately adjacent to where they live.
Terrace city staffers are to look at what can be done right away and council will consider installing a $18,000 parking lot entrance gate when it sets the city’s capital works budget for 2024.
Discussion on the matter followed a 20-name petition from Sonder House residents presented to city council at its Aug. 14 meeting.
“During all hours of the night, people partake in reckless driving, burnouts, partying, littering and driving under the influence,” the petition read.
“The excessive noise and dangerous actions of these individuals keeps many neighouring individuals and families disturbed throughout the night.”
Terrace City Manager Maggie Hall acknowledged the points raised in the petition, saying that while the RCMP and city bylaw officers have increased patrols at night, that may not be sufficient to solve the problem.
The $18,000 gate, she added, “is included as a capital cost for the 2024 budget which council can consider during the budgeting process.”
Councillors expanded the discussion beyond the parking lot to include the road down past the pickleball courts to Kalum St.
“It’s not just at night but also in the afternoon,” said Terrace City Councillor Sarah Zimmerman of vehicles doing donuts in the overflow parking lot and then speeding down the road when younger people are using the next-door skateboard park.
“I’m really worried somebody might get hurt there,” she said.
Zimmerman added that there has already been damage to the pickleball court gate involving a vehicle.
Councillor Brian Downie said that solutions cannot wait until next year, advocating for portable speed bumps to be placed on the road as a temporary measure.
Councillor James Cordeiro wondered if low concrete spacers used as parking spot dividers in the overflow lot might at least pose as obstacles preventing drivers from doing donuts.
City staffers are to return to council with options following a motion to that effect from councillor Chris Apps and seconded by councillor Inder Dhillon.