White Rock - The Editor, I happened to experience the misfortune of the City of White Rock's overzealous and unforgiving bylaw staff during the festive season.
On a recent rainy morning, I had to go again to White Rock Medical Clinic for attention to my recent cancer surgery. As a four-time cancer patient, I know how dreadful and aggressive the effects of cancer can be. The surgery was recent, so on this particular morning, I was still in a great deal of physical and emotional discomfort.The parking bays right opposite the clinic on Russell Avenue were full. I drove around the block twice without seeing a vacant parking bay within 50 metres or so from the clinic, so when I got around to Finlay Street opposite the hospital, I decided to park in the last bay at the corner with Russell Avenue. It was about a two-to three-minute walk to the clinic and I had allowed for 30 or so minutes when filling the meter with my coins.There were delays inside the clinic. With the pain and attention to my surgery site foremost on my mind, and being alone at the clinic for treatment, the thought of being late did not enter my mind. By the time I left the clinic, I realized I was running a minute or two late, and hastened back to my car. I couldn't run for the shooting pain in my head and besides, it had been raining and I didn't want to slip.On approaching my car, I immediately noticed the citation on the windshield. I looked around to find the bylaw officer parked on the other side of the street.As I crossed the street to speak to the officer, the officer pulled away in his vehicle and left. I went directly to city hall, where I wrote an appeal for the citation received.My appeal has subsequently been rejected by city staff. The reason? "We can't treat anyone differently."Now, I ask you mayor and council, how much punishment do you want to mete out to a cancer patient?People who are in pain and in need of medical attention can't always think of all the probabilities in life, including being a few minutes late, while an overzealous bylaw officer waits to prey on us.Gordon BothaWhite Rock