City looks to tackle Midtown parking problems

The city is looking to clamp down on residents abusing free parking in some downtown neighbourhoods.

Administration has proposed rolling out two-hour parking zones in the 100 and 200 blocks of Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th St. E. The same rules would apply to both sides of Second Ave. E from River St. to 15th St. 

“There are a lot of people parking in those areas that are not living there,” Transportation Manager Keri Sapsford said during her presentation to council Monday. “We remove those vehicles that are parking there all day. [There is] potential to move them into our own parking lots, increasing our revenues, potentially increasing our transit ridership.”

To remove those who are working downtown and using the area as free parking, three parking passes would be forwarded to actual residents to allow them to park for longer periods on those streets. City administration estimates 100 nuisance vehicles use the spaces each day.

Most councillors around the table were in favour of the move. Some questioned whether three parking passes were enough or too many. Administration said two permanent passes and one visitor pass are handed out in other areas. Coun. Ted Zurakowski wanted a way for people to access a fourth pass if need be.

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“That is their property. It seems appropriate that a family of four if they request a fourth one they should be able to get one,” he said. He did, however, want a strong screening process in place for the application.

Many councillors wanted to ensure the sale or abuse of these passes would be met with a stiff penalty. City staff said these penalties already exist. Anyone caught manipulating tags currently receive a $150 fine. They explained they have already caught people modifying the passes, be it using it on a different vehicle or changing information.

Residents and businesses in this area will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed parking changes. Letters will be sent out in these areas in order to gain this feedback in the coming weeks. 

A full report on the findings is expected to come back before council on Nov. 20.

tyler.marr@jpbg

On Twitter: @JournoMarr