I have growing frustration with the state of parking enforcement in downtown Victoria. Despite rarely visiting the area, I have received three parking tickets in the past year; each was issued unfairly.

This pattern suggests a deeper issue with either the parking system itself or the way it is being enforced.

It is disheartening to feel penalized for simply trying to follow the rules. In each instance, I complied with posted signage and payment requirements. Yet, I was still ticketed.

This raises serious concerns about whether the system is functioning properly, whether parking attendants are adequately trained to use it or whether tickets are being issued indiscriminately in the hope that some recipients will simply pay without contest.

The lack of transparency and accountability in this process is troubling. Contesting a ticket is time-consuming and often feels futile, especially when the burden of proof falls entirely on the driver.

For those of us who rarely venture downtown, this experience leaves a lasting negative impression and discourages future visits.

Downtown businesses are already facing challenges in attracting foot traffic. A parking system that feels arbitrary or punitive only adds to the problem.

If the City of Victoria wants to encourage people to support local shops and restaurants, it must ensure that parking enforcement is fair, accurate and user-friendly.

I urge city officials to review practices and invest in improvements — whether that means upgrading technology, enhancing staff training or increasing oversight.

Residents and visitors deserve a ­system they can trust.

Daniel Sanchez

Victoria

A big thumbs-up to Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor, Ont. He and his ­council recently rejected $30 million from the federal housing accelerator fund, which came with the imposition of unwanted conditions.

The feds wanted the city to initiate........

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