Charlie Rousseau, a resident of Rouyn‑Noranda, was issued a $40 parking fine after she could not operate a coin‑operated parking meter during a June 2026 festival. The meter required the insertion of exact change, a task she was unable to complete because of limited hand function, and the ticket was issued when the meter remained unpaid.
Rousseau’s inability to grasp or insert coins meant she could not satisfy the meter’s requirements, prompting local authorities to record a violation. Following the ticket, she launched a campaign urging municipal officials to replace the outdated devices with meters that are accessible to people with reduced dexterity. The effort highlights the practical barriers faced by individuals who rely on alternative payment methods or who have physical limitations that make handling small coins challenging.
Quebec continues to use many older parking meters that depend on exact change, a system that can be difficult for anyone with limited hand function. While newer electronic alternatives exist elsewhere, the province’s reliance on these mechanical meters persists, creating obstacles for a segment of drivers. Rousseau’s case adds to growing concerns about the inclusivity of public infrastructure and underscores calls for modern, accessible parking solutions that accommodate all residents, regardless of physical ability.