As the temperature dropped to -35 C last weekend, many Jasperites plugged in their vehicles to keep them warm through the night.

Unfortunately for some, this resulted in a $75 fine.

Residents who ran extension cords on the sidewalk have been fined in Jasper, following a complaint received by the municipality. According to bylaw, creating a tripping hazard on a sidewalk is illegal. Several tickets were issued over the weekend for extension cords.

Renee Wheele has lived in Jasper for some time and said it’s unfair to enforce the bylaw without warning. He’s never heard of such a bylaw being enforced in Jasper, and is upset tickets were given before warnings.

“Why didn’t they give warnings out? They’ve never enforced this before,” Wheele said.

The alternative will leave frozen vehicles around town, he said, something he’s sure the town doesn’t want.

Bylaw manager Doug Rodwell said he recognizes the dilemma this creates, especially with temperatures in the -34 C range, but he said the town doesn’t create bylaws it doesn’t want enforced. The rule has been on the books since the inception of the traffic bylaw and is designed to keep tripping hazards off of the sidewalk, he said.

Rodwell said there is a complaint system in place, and if anyone wants to discuss the bylaw, they can contact the bylaw office.

“We welcome any calls on bylaws,” Rodwell said.

He said it’s possible to run extension cords over the sidewalk, but placing a rug over the cord also creates a tripping hazard. Every situation is judged on its own merit, Rodwell said.

“There’s the nuance of the situation. If someone hooks onto it, it becomes a trip hazard,” Rodwell said.

Rodwell said there are also liability issues for everyone involved, including the resident and the municipality, when it comes to tripping hazards.

He recommends when possible, drivers use off street parking, or run the extension cord above the sidewalk.

In the meantime, the bylaw will not be changed.

“We’ll continue to enforce this. If people have a question or feel there wasn’t a hazard, there is a complaint process. We’ll review any ticket,” Rodwell said.