The Smart Meters are off at St. John's City Hall while Parking Meters keep Ticking

The following is a VOCM story regarding Discovery Day and St. John's

The capital city is advising of some closures and changes for tomorrow's Discovery Day holiday. Parking meter regulations will be in effect since it's not an observed holiday under the Provincial Shop Closing Act. Garbage and Recycling Collection will take place as usual and all St. John's recreational facilities will remain open, with the exception of the St. John's Recreation Centre, Kilbride Lion's Community Centre, and Shea Heights Community Centre. City offices will be closed and the usual Monday night council meeting will take place on Tuesday. 




Let's review the decision making of City Hall and the implications of same.

It is a holiday and therefore people will hopefully be out and about taking in the activities - spending some tourism dollars - and generally having a good time.

The first thing City Hall points out is that the Parking Meters will be on because it's not a "Provincial Shop Closing Act" holiday. Well that's a real tourism booster there. Should be lots of tickets handed out and people will be extremely happy with the "discovery" on their windshield.

Next there is no consistency with respect to City recreational facilities - some of which are open and others not. Yes that's bang on to concoct mass confusion for families wishing to partake in some recreational activity.

Then there's the privilege of power rules - where City Hall offices are closed and Mayor and Councillors cancel the regular meeting of Council and move it to the following day - but if you are a garbage and recycling collector you're on duty. I really don't care if this was a negotiated position - but if City Hall is closed and elected "public servants" are off - then everybody should be off.

So then the Discovery Days of St. John's roll into Discovery Day for the Province and somehow - even though City Hall is closed - the meters keep ticking. Also on the City Hall Calendar of Events - it just says City Hall closed with no mention of Discovery Day.

Any chance of a clue sometime soon - that might enhance and not thwart tourism?