Based on coverage from CBC, CTV, and Insauga.
In the picturesque town of Gananoque, Ontario, a debate is brewing that could put the brakes on some Quebec visitors—literally. Mayor John Beddows has sparked controversy with a proposal to clamp the wheels of Quebec-plated vehicles that rack up parking tickets, a move that has ignited a lively discussion about fairness, tourism, and the limits of municipal power.
Beddows, wielding newly acquired "strong mayor" powers, introduced a 27-point directive aimed at guiding the town's budget planning. Among the more mundane proposals—like increasing arena fees and finding sponsors for flower beds—was a suggestion that has captured local and national attention. The mayor wants to explore amending the town's parking bylaw to allow for the clamping of tires on Quebec vehicles that receive parking tickets, effectively holding them hostage until fines are paid.
The rationale? Ontario and Quebec don't share a reciprocal agreement on parking ticket enforcement. While Ontarians face consequences like being unable to renew their licences if they ignore local fines, Quebec drivers can simply drive away, leaving unpaid tickets in their wake. Beddows argues this creates an "uneven playing field," and his proposal seeks to level it.
However, not everyone is on board with the mayor's plan. Councillor Dave Osmond, for one, has raised concerns about the potential economic impact. Gananoque, a town that thrives on tourism, especially from Quebec, might be shooting itself in the foot by targeting visitors from its neighbouring province. "Thanks for coming and spending your money!" Osmond quipped on Facebook, highlighting the risk of alienating a key demographic.
The numbers, too, tell a story. Between January and July 2025, the town issued 19 unpaid parking tickets, 10 of which were to Quebec vehicles. With fines typically ranging from $15 to $25, Osmond questions whether the potential revenue loss justifies the risk of deterring tourists. "Is being strong-handed on what’s less than $2,000 worth of unpaid parking tickets an issue? It probably isn’t," he noted.
For some, like Montreal resident Robin Brass, the proposal seems excessive. Brass, who frequently visits Gananoque, described the clamping idea as "rather severe" and a "solution in search of a problem." While he acknowledges the need for fair enforcement, he questions whether the issue is significant enough to warrant such drastic measures.
Beddows, for his part, appears open to dialogue. He acknowledges that his Quebec-specific proposal might not survive the council's scrutiny but insists it's a question worth exploring. The directive, he says, is a draft meant to spark discussion and guide future decisions.
As the town gears up for a council meeting on September 16, where Beddows is expected to provide more details, the debate continues. The mayor's proposal has already evolved to include all out-of-province vehicles, not just those from Quebec, in an attempt to address concerns of discrimination.
This small-town saga is a microcosm of larger issues at play across Canada—how to balance local governance with broader economic and social considerations. While the outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Gananoque's parking policy is now a topic of conversation far beyond its borders. Whether this leads to a clampdown or a climbdown, only time will tell.
