It was brought to residents' attention at the beginning of the month, and now things have been put on hold.

Recently a new traffic bylaw was passed, and within that document there was a section that would remove any exceptions to drivers using a parking meter. More specifically this bylaw stated that anyone who uses a handicap parking permit or is the holder of a veteran's license plate would no longer be able to park for free in a spot that had a meter designated for it. 

"The previous bylaw had stated that they could park for free at any metered parking in Moose Jaw, but those exemptions had been eliminated. However, there was no consultation done with affected groups, City Council has decided in fact to put on hold enforcing any of those exemptions until we have time to consult with the affected groups," Communications Manager for the City, Craig Hemingway detailed. "The bylaw is in effect, certainly all those changes to the traffic bylaw which pertains to numerous things is in effect right now. It's really just a matter of enforcement and at this time until we have more clarity on this specific issue just that one section of the bylaw - that pertaining to these meter exemptions, those just won't be enforced by City police."

Previously, the City was going to use the month of September to give warnings to anyone with a handicap parking pass on their mirror or someone with a veteran's license plate a warning and begin to enforce the new bylaw starting October 1st before Council hit the brakes. 

Hemingway stated that things, at this given moment, can continue the way they always have.

"If you have a disability placard that allows you to park in any handicapped spot, certainly those people are able to park in any handicap zone that's labeled with the City of course or anywhere where there's a handicap zone. As far as the veterans' license plates, simply enough if you have a veteran's license plate as of right this second you can park for free at a meter."

It's unclear when the City will have the new bylaw enforced, but they noted that they would like to make sure it is clearly communicated, especially to those who have been exempt from paying the meters in the past, before the parking enforcement officers start handing out tickets.