Edmonton residents pay millions in parking tickets, property taxes and bylaw fines each year, but they also spend millions in late fees and penalties.
This year the City of Edmonton has budgeted for $8.9 million worth of late payment penalties for property taxes.
That is consistent with $8.6 million in 2011 and $7.9 million collected in 2010.
But taxes aren’t the only thing Edmontonians tend to stretch their time in paying.
In 2010, city bylaw officers issued 157,179 tickets worth just over $8.8 million.
And while 97 per cent of that money is now accounted for, it wasn’t all done in the 44 days specified on the ticket.
“Approximately 56 per cent of tickets issued are paid within 44 days of issue,” said city communications officer David Holehouse, adding some wind up in court.
Coun. Kerry Diotte said he isn’t surprised.
“I think it’s probably human nature to put off paying bills on time, especially tickets,” he said.
Provincially, Alberta Justice issued 1.6 million Traffic Safety Act tickets between April 2010 and March 2011, of which 687,512 went to conviction in absence, said spokesperson Julie Siddons, adding those late fees could equate to $13.75 million.
“It’s a significant amount that is owed to the province and municipalities, and that’s why we collect it,” she said.
Heather McIntyre with files from Jeremy Nolais
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