Gananoque Mayor Seeks to Clamp Quebec Drivers' Tires for Unpaid Parking Tickets

As of September 9th, 2025, the mayor of Gananoque, Ontario has caused a stir by proposing a controversial measure to target vehicles with Quebec license plates. Under a new "mayoral directive" issued last month, the mayor wants to amend the town's parking bylaw to allow for the clamping of tires on Quebec-plated cars that have outstanding parking tickets.

The mayor, John Beddows, claims this is about creating an "even playing field" since Ontario and Quebec do not have a reciprocal agreement on parking ticket enforcement. He argues that while Ontarians can face consequences like license renewal issues for unpaid fines, Quebec drivers who get ticketed in Gananoque "suffer no consequences if they don't pay."

However, at least one of Beddows' council colleagues, Dave Osmond, has strongly criticized the proposal. Osmond warns that singling out visitors from Quebec - a province that provides a significant portion of the town's tourists - could undermine Gananoque's economy and scare off valuable visitors. "Thanks for coming and spending your money!" Osmond wrote sarcastically on Facebook. "I see you have Quebec plates so we can clamp your tires!"

The mayor's directive, which covers a range of budget and operational issues, is still just a draft document. Councillors have requested more details from Beddows on his reasoning for each point. The budget, including any parking bylaw changes, will ultimately require council approval. The mayor acknowledged his Quebec-specific proposal may not survive that process, but said he wanted the idea "explored" nonetheless.