Aurora nixes on-street winter parking following review of pilot program

Residents prohibited from parking on town streets between 2 and 6 a.m. beginning Nov. 15

Thestar.com
Nov. 7, 2017
By Teresa Latchford

Greg Smith has a sneaking suspicion that winter parking in Aurora will become an election issue come the next municipal vote.

The Aurora resident fully supported and took advantage of the town's on-street winter parking pilot program last winter that allowed residents to park on the street unless the town declared a snow event, which was communicated through its website and text alerts.

"Our daughter was home from university and we appreciated having the option of parking the third vehicle on the street," he said. "I know a lot of residents who are in the boat."

However, the town has decided to discontinue the pilot and revert to its previous rule that prohibits on-street parking between 2 and 6 a.m. from Nov. 15 to April 15 to allow for the clearing of snow. A staff report reviewing the pilot highlighted a number of issues, including being able to meet snow clearing time targets and patrons of local businesses not being able to park on the street when a snow event was called during the day. Those convinced council this was not the right solution. The same report stated the town will look at education and enforcement efforts to better serve residents.

Coun. Sandra Humfryes also pointed out that, when a snow event was called, it left everyone parked on the street scrambling to find a place to put their vehicles.

But Smith isn't convinced.

"I thought the pilot was very well done," he said. "It's about treating the community like adults, reverting to the ban seems silly and like we are moving backward."

For many households, a driveway only has enough room for two vehicles, which means additional vehicles need to be parked somewhere. He also points out that many have basement apartments to help pay the bills and this restriction on parking during the winter months hinders people's ability to be financially self-sufficient.

"It was also implied that offenders would only get tickets if the (snow plow) blades were on the ground," he said. "It makes me question why have the rule in the first place then."

He also worries the bylaw department may become inundated with complaints about people parking on the street during these months.

Coun. Paul Pirri acknowledged this would inconvenience some, but felt the important thing is to have the roads cleared of snow by 7:30 a.m. when people are beginning their commute to work.

While council decided the pilot program was not in the best interest of the town and voted to discontinue it, it's not the end to the on-street parking discussion.

Coun. Harold Kim previously asked town staff to explore the feasibility of implementing a just-in-time parking permit system that would allow residents to purchase tickets through the town and park on the street overnight when needed.

Aurora's customer service director Techa van Leeuwen advised that the technology needed to offer this service is listed in the town's 2018 capital project budget and could be up and running very shortly after it is approved.