Yellowknife (Oct 22/03) - Private lots are not fair game for drivers looking for a place to park.

Coral Rix learned that when she left her car on a lot at 51 Ave. and 48 St. and got a $20 ticket.

"I did find one tiny little sign" that warned against parking there, Rix said. She thought it applied only to a single space.

Doug Gillard, bylaw manager of the city's municipal enforcement division, said a bylaw officer issued the ticket after the lot's owner complained about cars parking there.

Gillard said the public should understand that "every square inch of land downtown is owned by someone."

He compared the situation to calling bylaw enforcement to remove a vehicle parked in a private driveway.

"But if we are dealing with a property owner, we advise them to put up signs," he said.

Gillard said the bylaw officer had the discretion to issue a warning or a ticket.

"He made the decision to issue fines."