Edmonton’s Residential Parking Program: A Pause for Community Concerns
**Impact on Community Spaces Like Borden Park and Concordia University**
Edmonton’s urban planning committee is considering a pause to the new residential parking program, following concerns raised by residents about cost and accessibility to curbside parking. The program, which aims to address high demand for street parking in 19 neighborhoods, has also raised concerns about its impact on community spaces like Borden Park and Concordia University of Edmonton.
**Borden Park: A Beloved Gathering Spot**
Borden Park is a vibrant park in the heart of the Norwood neighborhood, often filled with families, dog walkers, and community gatherings. Residents are worried that the new parking program would reduce available street parking around the park, making it difficult for visitors to access this cherished green space.
**Concordia University: A Parking Challenge**
Concordia University of Edmonton has limited on-campus parking, and students and staff rely heavily on street parking in surrounding neighborhoods. As the university grows, so does the demand for parking. Students and staff fear that the new program would further restrict their access to affordable parking, potentially impacting their ability to attend classes and participate in campus activities.
**Concerns about Equity and Accessibility**
Critics of the new program argue that it would disproportionately affect low-income residents and visitors from outside the neighborhoods. They argue that paid parking permits would create a financial burden for those who cannot afford them, and that reducing curbside parking would limit access to public spaces for non-residents.
**Balancing Priorities**
City councilors acknowledge the concerns raised by residents and are exploring ways to balance the need for parking management with the importance of accessible community spaces. The pause in the program will allow for further consultation with residents and stakeholder groups to find a solution that addresses both concerns.
**Next Steps**
City council will discuss the recommendation to pause the program at a meeting on July 3. In the meantime, the existing parking program will remain in place, and residents in the 19 affected neighborhoods are asked to continue displaying their 2022 or 2023 permits.
The city’s ongoing efforts to manage curbside parking are part of a broader strategy to create a more livable and sustainable city. Balancing the needs of different users, including residents, businesses, and visitors, is crucial to ensuring that Edmonton remains a welcoming and equitable city for all.
Mehek