Charlie Rousseau of Rouyn‑Noranda received a $40 parking ticket in June 2026 after she was unable to pay at a coin‑operated parking meter. The ticket was issued because the meter required the insertion of coins, a method she could not manage due to the design of the device.
Rousseau’s dispute centers on the fact that the meter’s slot is positioned and sized in a way that makes it difficult for individuals with limited dexterity to insert change. She argued that the inability to pay was not a violation of parking regulations but a result of the meter’s lack of accessibility.
The city of Rouyn‑Noranda continues to use older parking meters that rely on physical coins rather than electronic or card‑based payment systems. These meters require drivers to slip exact change into a narrow opening, a process that can be challenging for people who have trouble grasping small objects or reaching low‑placed equipment.
Local officials noted that many of the town’s meters have not been upgraded to newer technologies, and the current infrastructure remains in place across several streets. The municipality has not provided alternative payment options at the locations where the coin‑only meters are installed.
Rousseau’s case has prompted a review of the ticket by the municipal parking authority. She is seeking a cancellation of the fine on the grounds that the meter’s design creates an unreasonable barrier to compliance with parking rules. The outcome of the review could influence whether the town considers updating its parking equipment to accommodate a broader range of users.
The incident highlights an ongoing issue in several Quebec municipalities where legacy parking infrastructure may not meet the needs of all residents, particularly those with physical limitations.