Alderman proposes shortened hours for paid parking

THUNDER BAY – A Thunder Bay City Council member plans to propose changes to the enforcement of parking meter fees.

McKellar Ward Councilor Brian Hamilton said Wednesday he is still working on the details of a motion, but he expects it will call for a shortening of the current enforcement period of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) by two to four hours .

“I propose a number of potential changes to balance the needs of business, the expectations of the public and the needs of our infrastructure.”

Businesses in the community, especially restaurants, have said the new regulations that went into effect last June are having an impact harmful influence.

Marina Park users have also complained about having to pay to visit the waterfront attraction.

“We ripped the Band-Aid off with this,” Hamilton said.

While he believes enforcement hours should be scaled back for now, he said it is important to promote a sustainable parking system so that revenue can help meet infrastructure needs.

“I’m just looking specifically at the hours of enforcement in the inner cities, including the marina, which would provide a little bit more visibility for the citizens, and for the residents of the city centers and the marina, but still retain some of the integrity of that.” financing plan.”

He added: “We have a long tradition of subsidized parking…We have found ourselves in a hole, mainly due to COVID. And we’re in a situation in the community right now where we can’t subsidize. everything. There are certain things that should be a user-pay model.”

Hamilton, who owns a coffee shop in the Bay/Algoma area, said he hopes an incremental approach to parking rule changes will help promote taxpayer buy-in.

The city’s current plan already calls for monitoring the results until 2025.

“My proposal is specific for the coming year, as a temporary measure to support the businesses, and hopefully establish the culture of actually having a user payment system for the maintenance of the infrastructure of our assets…People want parks and using assets, and going for walks with their pets, and going for walks with their children. We’ve had that for a long time for free. So it’s kind of a right, and changing that kind of culture, that’s going to take a little bit of time. “

He said he has discussed his idea with colleagues on the council and has heard from some who would actually like to “go further” than what his motion wants, but he thinks the majority wants to preserve the integrity of the existing plan.

Hamilton’s motion will be brought before the city council on November 25 and is expected to be discussed on December 9.