City to remove on-street parking on this section of Main Street West

The removal of on-street parking on Main Street West between Timmins Street and the intersection of Main Street West, Memorial Drive, and Murray Street, is part of the next phase of the City of North Bay's active transportation plan.

Once these new bicycle lanes connect existing active transportation trails from the waterfront to the west link stretching to Gormanville Road completed last year, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians will see a noticeable difference in how that area of Main Street West is shared. 

See related: New multi-use trail will connect the north and south ends of North Bay

North Bay City Council authorized an amendment to the on-street parking by-law during Tuesday's regular meeting to implement a parking prohibition on both sides of Main Street between Timmins Street and the intersection at Memorial Drive and Murray Street — while designating areas for short-duration parking. 

A 2018 parking study determined that the side streets would have "sufficient capacity to take up the volume of parking used on Main Street West."

In addition to concerns about the loss of on-street parking received from a property owner in the 800 block of Main Street West, the City reports the condominium board representing 810 Main Street West also objected to the loss of on-street parking for drop-off and pick-up of residents, deliveries, parking for visitors, parking for contractors, parking for a para-bus, and parking for an ambulance. 

A notice was delivered to all residents on Main Street West between Memorial and Timmins prior to the start of the west link construction last year, advising of the intent to remove parking on both sides of the road. Acknowledging their concerns, Coun. Chris Mayne, chair of the council's infrastructure and operations committee says he is committed to continuing to listen to feedback from residents as the project unfolds.

The City notes the parking by-law includes exemptions for emergency vehicles, City by-law enforcement and public works vehicles, public utility vehicles (telecommunications and energy-related services), and Canada Post.

"Additional bike lane exemptions in other Ontario municipalities include the momentary stopping of a motor vehicle while actively engaged in receiving or discharging passengers that are disabled or passengers from a taxi. An alternative for achieving the same intent is to designate areas for 15-minute short-duration parking. Additional pavement markings and signage could also be provided at the designated locations to help identify them," reads the report.

"As part of the City's proposal to encourage active transportation, Main Street West is one of the routes we've been working hard on to provide cycling access," observed Mayne.

Mayne advised the initial plan was to only remove parking from the south side of Main West but further study showed by continuing to allow drivers to park vehicles on the north side of the road it presented safety issues — particularly with "dooring" — so parking will be removed from both sides.

Coun. Mark King said he counted 15 vehicles parked on Main Street West on a recent drive through the area and, while supportive of the resolution, hoped an education component would accompany the parking change. To that end, the City confirms it will take an education-first approach to enforcement. The by-law will need to be prepared and presented to Council for three readings and enforcement will not take place until lines have been painted and signs are visible.

According to the engineering report, "This option would provide the most functionality and safety for operation of bicycles and motor vehicles," and would provide "wider bike lanes allowing usage by both recreational and commuter riders," while reducing "the potential hazard of interaction between cyclists and opening motor vehicle doors. The wider lanes also provide a buffer type area between bikes and motor vehicles. Adding designated short-duration parking areas to the by-law provides a reasonable measure to compensate for the loss of parking function."

The completed portion of the multi-use trail runs side-by-side, separated by a curb on the lake side of Main West, from the new pedestrian crossing near Timmins Street to Gormanville Road. It is one of several active transportation projects undertaken recently.

For more on the City's active transportation plan, click here.