Tell me about the downtown winter parking restrictions?

    A: Parking restriction pilot project was in place on sections of Water Street and Duckworth Street beginning on January 30, 2018 from 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. The restriction was on Water Street between Prescott Street and Waldegrave Street, and on Duckworth Street between Cochrane Street and New Gower Street.

    When did the parking restriction end?

    A: The restriction was in place until March 26th when the City lifted the On-Street Parking Ban. 

    Why was this parking restriction in place?

    A: When vehicles are left in public parking spaces overnight, city snow clearing equipment is unable to effectively clear the snow from the streets. An on street parking space that is occupied by a vehicle will prevent proper clearing of the space in front of and behind the vehicle, negatively impacting up to three parking spaces. It also reduces efficiency by requiring snow clearing operators to make multiple passes in the same location. By prohibiting parking from 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. daily, operators are able to quickly and efficiently clear snow from both the road and the parking spaces. 

    Was this a permanent change to downtown parking?

    A: This change was a pilot project. A report will be presented to council on whether or not the restriction improved downtown snow clearing operations. A final decision will be made prior to the 2018-19 winter season. 

    What sections of Duckworth Street and Water Street were restricted?

    A: The area of restriction was on Water Street between Prescott Street and Waldegrave Street, and on Duckworth Street between Cochrane Street and New Gower Street. Please see map located in the Document Library. 

    Why were cars being towed instead of ticketed?

    A: In order to efficiently clear streets all vehicles needed to be removed. 

    Was this put in place so the City could make money?

    A: The City does not make money from impounding vehicles. The $200 towing fee is the amount charged to the City by the contractor. The $50 administration fee covers a variety of staff functions related to impounding, including Roads Foreperson, Access 311 Customer Service Representatives, Depot Security, Public Works Administrative staff and Manager of Corporate Security. The $25 daily storage fee is charged to help offset cost of running and maintaining the impound yard. 

    Where could a car be left safely overnight without being towed during the parking pan?

    A: Alternate parking options include: 286 spaces at the City Hall parking garage (Levels 1, 3, 4 and 5) at 8 New Gower Street, open to the public in the evening from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and on the weekends; and, over 600 combined parking spaces in privately owned parking garages located at 351 Water Street and 330 Duckworth Street. There are over 400 on-street meter parking spaces that are available. They are located on Harbour Drive, New Gower Street, Queen Street, George Street (west of Adelaide), Adelaide Street, east and west of the restriction on Water Street, east of Cochrane on Duckworth Street, Beck’s Cove, and Clift’s-Baird’s Cove.