Permit parking project a go in downtown Stouffville, neighbourhoods

YorkRegion.com
June 9, 2016
Ali Raza

It’s a first for this town.

Whitchurch-Stouffville town council has approved paid permit parking in designated parts of its downtown lots and residential areas.

The motion came after staff recommended the new parking permit system in a report that outlined updated fees associated with parking as well as a new online payment system and new signage.

“We are looking forward to implementing a few of the needs identified in the study immediately,” said manager of customer service and project lead Tamara Carlson in a media release yesterday.

“The permit parking program is a positive step towards alleviating some of the parking issues that residents and businesses have been facing for an extended period of time.”

Sections of each of the town’s downtown parking lots will be designated as permit parking spots. Those permits will be sold to downtown businesses and commercial building owners. The remaining spots in lots are not affected and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, town spokesperson Glenn Jackson told The Sun-Tribune.

The town currently owns 247 parking spots in the downtown area, including lots at 6240 Main St., 8 Park Dr. at Memorial Park, and a lot behind 6294 Main St. (the former CIBC).

Staff informed council that fees would be similar to other York Region municipalities. The revenue will assist the town in recovering the cost of additional staffing to run the program.

The release does not mention on-street parking in the downtown core.

Proposed fees for residential areas include $10 for one-day parking, $25 for three days and $20 for weekend parking.

Proposed fees for downtown commercial parking include $30 for one week, $75 for one month, $150 for three months and $200 for six months.

“I’m not crazy about the fees,” Councillor Rick Upton said at Tuesday’s council meeting. “But you (staff) are the experts.”

Town staff described the program as a “pilot” program that would make way for an online ticketing program. Carlson encourages feedback from residents and businesses to improve and establish a permanent parking program.

The program features new software to allow online payments.

Designated permit parking areas will be marked by erected parking signs.

“The temporary residential permits will be available year round and the Customer Service Centre staff will monitor the number of permits purchased by street,” Carlson said.

Permits are regulated by a series of rules; they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits are only valid at the specific parking spot and vehicles must only park in their designated areas.

Each permit is valid for a maximum of two plates and permits cannot be purchased for longer than six months.

Permit holders must provide vehicle and plate information within 24 hours of any change and pay an administrative charge. A valid plate number and vehicle description is required for permits. Holders must sign their identification on forms required.

Commercial vehicles are not permitted as vehicles need to fit in a single parking spot.

The town will issue laminated permits; they are non-transferable and non-refundable.