My priorities for Ward 2 and Burlington in 2013

There are steps we can take, both large and small, short term and long term, that will preserve what we love about the community, and make changes that will make our city even better

Free parking downtown?

Residents, visitors and downtown businesses have long been saying that paid parking downtown is discouraging business, and have suggested free parking on Saturdays, or even daily for the first two hours. A consultant’s report has recommended further study on free parking, and made a number of other observations and recommendations for parking downtown including: There’s(…)

Gm: First 2 hours free is a great idea. The downtown core needs all the help it can get. The city…
Yvonne: I certainly don't mind paying for parking in the downtown core within a reasonable rate. However i do not visit…

Changes coming for downtown parking (hopefully)

Parking in the downtown remains an ongoing challenge for residents, businesses and visitors alike, so the city has been working with a consultant to explore the issues and make recommendations.

The staff report is pending, but several issues and ideas have come up in public consultations and via an online survey, including:

reduce aggressive enforcement at metres and lots.
implement free parking on Saturdays.
increase the minimum parking time from two hours to three.
increase parking supply.
reduce cost of monthly permits in outlying areas.

My take: The suggestions above from residents and businesses are a reasonable accommodation to address the parking challenges downtown. I support extending the minimum parking to 3hrs, free parking on Saturday, reducing fees for outlying lots, working toward addressing future parking supply, and asking all people working in the downtown to pay for their own parking.

Comment

Lucille Blaney: Increasing the 2 hour limit to 3 is a great idea especially for eating in any of the restaurants in…
Geoff: Re. parking tickets when only 5 minutes over the limit: allow a complimentary 20 minute buffer before receiving a fine.…
Shellys: Having worked in downtown Burlington for the last 8 months, I have heard and experienced the frustration of workers who…

Multiple initiatives underway to ensure vibrant downtown

A healthy city requires a healthy downtown. A key focus for me for the balance of this council term of office will be ensuring a vibrant downtown, and moving beyond talk to ensure recommendations become actions.

Mary: Probably way too late, but the Burlington Pier's transient boat slips should be for overnight to two day docking, not…
Branka Vidovic: As a real estate agent I love promoting the city of Burlington. As a life time resident of the city…

City reviews economic development options for parking lots

In January, staff are holding a workshop for city council to explore development options for Lots 4 & 5 in downtown Burlington. Lot 4 is on Elizabeth/John St, facing Village Square. Lot 5 is on Brant Street, facing the Queen’s Head pub.

My Take: I’m pleased we are revisiting the potential for these lots. Lot 4 in particular has potential for office and underground parking development, which would bring much needed jobs, and foot traffic to the downtown, during the day, year round. This would help our local businesses and bring economic benefits to all residents of our city.

MarshallBurson: Underground parking typically runs around $40K/spot, so a 125-car lot would run you around $5m. The assumption at that point…
K Darby: Far too many spaces have disappeared under development. Is it possible to expand parking under the hydro tower lines? Don't…
R Edwards: Condominiums . I do not shop downtown as the number of cyclists on the sidewalk scare me.

Parking concerns hurting downtown businesses

Our downtown is suffering, with a number of businesses leaving the core in recent months. One of the key issues that downtown businesses have identified is parking – availability, cost, enforcement. Businesses say their clients are going elsewhere because of parking concerns.

My Take: Taxpayers, and local businesses who are already struggling to survive downtown, should not be subsidizing municipal employee parking. We need a consistent level playing field – either everyone pay for parking or it’s free for all, which would certainly address some of the parking challenges our businesses are facing. I voluntarily pay $104/month into the city’s parking fund for my parking spot.

Learn more

M.L. Holton: Agree with you on this one Marianne.
BD Ramey: Everyone should park free downtown, this is not Toronto, we should look after our downtown businesses. There should be a…
John Froggatt: I am solidly against free parking for City staff ans especially for rather well paid councillors. John Froggatt
Jmiller75: i am downtown every day walking my lab. the bylaw guy lives on Brant St and Lakeshore and walks maybe…
Chris Ariens: The following - an article from the conservative Cato institute in the US, covers the issue of downtown parking very…

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Video: Burlington’s Downtown Parking Challenge

Burlington’s downtown businesses and residents are paying the price for City Hall’s inadequate plan to address the parking shortage.