A public meeting regarding a City of North Bay proposal to switch 15 free, first-come, first-served parallel parking spaces in downtown North Bay move to a paid permit system heard no objections from members of the public on Tuesday.
The parking spaces, located in the 100 block of Second Avenue West, are presently free and open to all motorists but the proposed monthly permit system includes a quarterly fee of $234.86 or $939.44 for one year. If passed, the permits would allow parking from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., a time frame in line with other permit parking outside of the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA).
The matter will now move to the council level. The recommended service level changes would require an amendment to Schedule 9 of the On-Street Parking By-Law No. 2014-37. A majority vote in favour will see the proposal take effect.
The City of North Bay maintains the three-year trial will help defray costs associated with upkeep on that particular block.
"During budget deliberations, this proposal was brought forward," said Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield. "It was noted there is an increased cost due to maintenance and snow removal along this roadway."
According to the associated staff report, the public meeting was necessary to discuss the proposed user fees for a permit parking program on the west side of Second Avenue between Ferguson Street and Fraser Street. The zone would encompass approximately 15 parallel parking spaces along the 100 block of Second Avenue West. These spaces are currently used on a first come, first served basis with a maximum parking time of 24 hours. The proposed zone would be changed to a “monthly parking by permit only” zone at a current rate of $234.86 per quarter, which mirrors the rate charged on the 200 block of Second Avenue West.
The City is proposing the move as a three-year pilot project.
"Due to increased costs related to maintenance and snow removal, it is proposed that 15 permitted, paid stalls be introduced." on the west side of Second Avenue West between Ferguson Street and Fraser Street.
According to this service level change document, the City lists the pros:
- Parking revenue will increase
- Parking enforcement revenue will increase
- Encourages the general public to take City transit, walk, bike, or other green options
And cons:
- May increase on-street parking in residential areas
- May see an increase in complaints as a result of tickets issued through enforcement
