- Option # 1: Cancel the Program
- Option # 2: Modify the Program
- Option #3: Status Quo
The presentation slides outlined each option, identified pros, cons, comments and enforcement impacts.
The preferred option identified in the presentation was “Modification of the program” which included: payments in lots, free on-street; change from 3 hours to 2 hours on-street; provide discounted rate for on-street parking as an incentive to accommodate additional downtown staff for the holidays.
Staffs response to the preferred option of “Modification of the program”: 2 hour time limit if implemented should be for the entire year to avoid confusion; no discounted passes; incorporate these changes in the by-law change.
The DPC discussed the pros and cons of all the three options presented. Comments were as follows:
Option # 1
Would be difficult to reinstate once removed.
Is there a way to compare August, November and December. What is the experience to those coming down. Most December patrons are still surprised that there is free parking.
Option # 2:
Change on-street parking to 2-hours only. On-street is premium parking.
Can people pay for parking before 9am?
Can variable rates be applied in the parking lots.
Must keep it simple as possible. Parking is confusing for people today, better communications to all if there is changes to times.
Out of 400 BDBA members only 51 completed the BDBA survey.
Option # 3:
Status quo
Overall Comments
The Free P Parking program was created for the downtown business to be competitive with other shopping venues and encourage people to shop local/downtown. The program has done what it was created for and has been successful. Is it time to sunset this program and put the money into other programs i.e. downtown beautification?
Regardless of the outcome, we need better communications. People still remove the wrapping in December to try and pay for parking. We need to communicate the success of program and that it has done what it was created to do.
The DPC will need to make a recommendation via a staff report which will be submitted to Council for review and approval.
Staff recommend that any changes be done at the same time as the Parking by-law update
Is there any way to offer promotional codes into machines or honk mobile to offer discounts to rates/parking if there is paid parking year-round.
There is a perception that people using the lots are not going to local businesses but are residents and employees. Do we need greater enforcement?
Motion by the Downtown Parking Committee
Motion to pause the Free P Parking Program in December and request that staff review options such as discounted time periods, modifications to on-street time limits, recommendations for lot parking and bring back their findings to the June 4th, 2020 Downtown Parking Committee meeting.
Moved by: Susan Morrissey
Seconded by: Barry Glazier
Carried