More on parking...

I am really starting to believe residential units (in particular downtown) with on-street overnight parking should have paid parking permits if you are not the homeowner. If you are a renter downtown this will probably rub you the wrong way, but that's a taxpayer funded street you are using as your personal driveway, you should pay for the privilege.

If your unit includes a driveway, you should use it—driveways exist so streets aren’t overcrowded. We’ve seen complaints from areas like Clearview North about too many vehicles parked on the street, and that’s exactly what driveways are for.

Tenants renting rooms shouldn’t automatically get on-street overnight parking without a permit. Many cities are now adapting a universal year-round parking pass/permit for residents without on-site parking.

This means that in winter, when on-street overnight parking may not be available, residents could use the pass to park in public/municipal parking (like the Parkade) at no additional cost. Renting out spaces in homes or converted buildings shouldn’t come with free or zoned on-street parking—either the tenant or landlord should provide a permit.

Existing street parking downtown tied to residences should be clearly marked or painted a different color to avoid confusion. The number one complaint I hear is that city workers are allegedly parking in public spaces. I haven’t personally seen it, but after hearing it from more than half a dozen people, I’m inclined to believe it’s accurate. Our downtown bus terminal parkade sits 70% empty most of the time, so city employees and councillors should park there with permits, leaving street spaces available for residents and visitors.

Even better, take the bus (which means restoring our routes), hop on a scooter or bike, or, like me, simply walk. Let’s truly be the green city we aspire to be!