Kitchener residents urge city to pump the brakes on new parking fees at downtown lot during council meeting
Some Kitchener condo residents are raising concerns over newly introduced fees at a downtown lot, pointing to inconsistencies in parking rules.
“We've got concerns with residents, there seems to be a problem with [how] the parking lots in the downtown core are being defined and how it's paid or not paid, and it just makes sense to me at this point to bring them in alignment,” said Coun. Debbie Chapman.
Last month, the city brought in paid evening and weekend parking at the previously free Bramm Street surface lot.
City staff say the lot was free during the pandemic response due to funding from the province but it was now reverting back.
“During COVID, there was a decision to relieve some of the parking requirements at of the lots, but that was a temporary interim measure during COVID that was offset by safe restart funding that the province was providing,”said Justin Readman, general manager of development services.
But delegates at Monday night’s council meeting called the move unfair, saying other lots in the downtown core are still free on evenings and weekends.
“The ways that it is limiting family and friends visits, the short notice and lack of procedural fairness in the implementation of this shift and the importance of free parking to support the economic revitalization of the businesses on our block,” said delegate, Kaylee Perez.
“There has not been data collected on this lot based on who was utilizing it during the pandemic,” Readman said. “When the economic development was created, there was data that was collected in advance of that on lots in the downtown, on lots that were closer to commercial businesses at the time and economic development pays of subsidy to offset that parking during the evenings and on Saturdays.”
City staff adding that the rest of the downtown is part of a BIA subsidy program meant to help businesses struggling during the LRT construction and the Bramm lot did not fall into the BIA boundary, despite being in the city’s downtown boundary.
“There are a couple different boundaries of the downtown,” Readman said. “One of them is the BIA boundary and so that was the original intent of the parking subsidy for after hours and Saturdays, it was a partnership with the BIA that we were looking at the subsidy process for. This lot is outside of the BIA boundary, but it is within the downtown boundary. So at the time, there was no commercial businesses by the location. We haven't heard any complaints from the commercial businesses that are located in the building regarding the accessibility of free parking. So council would need to make a decision on whether they're considering expanding this program outside of the BIA boundary which is different distinction as whether it is in the downtown or not.”
Chapman says there is a discrepancy in what is happening at the lot as well as in the rest of the downtown, something she believes will continue to confuse residents and the community if it is not addressed.
“We can talk about the whole parking area and that's huge. We can talk about budgets and these other things, but in the meantime we have this parking lot that is not in sync with the other parking lots in the downtown core.”
Council says they will revisit the issue at their next meeting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.