New year, new rules

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/01/2015 (4292 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The emergence of a new calendar means some increased costs to transit riders and cat owners, as well as some new restrictions for those who like to keep their lawns in tip-top shape.

A bump in transit fares and mandatory licensing for cats are just two of the new changes that went into effect when the New Year rang in on Thursday.

Transit fares for all riders has gone up a nickel, with regular adult fares now $2.60. Youth and senior fares are now $2.10. Riders can use old tickets (and add a nickel to the fare) until the end of March. Old senior fare and reduced fare tickets are not required to add cash.

The cost of owning a cat is also going up, as city cat owners are required to register their pets for 2015. Registration is $15 per feline, though expect the city to be rather lenient in enforcement through the first couple months of the program as owners slowly get used to the idea.

The city estimates 10,000 cats will be registered this year. Some of the revenue generated from the licensing is expected to go towards a city spay and neuter program.

Meanwhile, the clock has already started on Manitoba’s ban on the sale and use of synthetic lawn pesticides and herbicides.

The ban applies to home lawns, patios, driveways, sidewalks, as well as school grounds, playing fields and playgrounds used predominately by children and on health-care institution and child-care centre grounds.

Farmland, gardens, golf courses and sod farms are exempt from the new directive.

Like Winnipeg’s cat licensing program, it is expected the province will slowly ease into enforcement, allowing homeowners to better educate themselves before the spring and summer seasons arrive.