Changes to downtown parking starting in February

Changes to downtown parking in North Bay start next month. 

“Council has passed by-laws to amend on-street parking at all pay and display terminals to one-hour free parking, and also paid parking hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. effective February 1st”,” said City Councillor Dave Mendicino.

“The other changes that were recommended and supported by council is a 50 per cent discount on all monthly lots if you’re living in the downtown area. There will be free overnight parking in the parking garage and a reduction in monthly rates in the parking garage. Those changes will be effective April 1st.”

Mendicino says the changes are part of a bigger plan to rejuvenate the downtown.  

“We heard loud and clear that parking issues were the main barriers for people coming into the downtown. So council is supportive of revitalizing downtown and as far as creating some free parking for people to come and shop downtown, or 50 per cent off the monthly rates to have people come and live in the downtown, this is all about getting more traffic in the downtown.”

Councillor Mike Anthony told council the issue of downtown parking has been raised by the Downtown Improvement Area for many years.

“I do believe with new circumstances, new challenges, it is time to try something new. I do see this as something bold and new for them and an investment in trying to revitalize the downtown. Although there is a budget implication when you reduce parking, I do see it as an investment in that part of the city,” said Anthony.

Following last week’s committee meeting where the changes were first presented and discussed, DIA chair Michelle Trudeau thanked council for taking these important measures.

She said the changes will be good not only for retail businesses but lawyers, doctors, and the banks.

Trudeau was quoted as saying “It is going to afford you a little extra time on the street where you don’t have to pay for the right to shop in the downtown which is huge for us.”

The DIA chair also noted it could generate business and residential development in the area.