Time for parking meter culture to evolve

THE Winnipeg Parking Authority's plan to increase parking rates in high-demand downtown areas is winding its way through city hall. Before anyone declares the downfall of downtown because of higher rates ("Parking should be free, not more expensive!"), it's important to know there are good reasons for some of the changes -- and they're not just dollars and cents.

Many people I meet believe three things about downtown parking: First, there isn't enough of it; second, it should be free and unregulated; and third, parking meters and parking patrols are bad for business.

I think we can all agree our city's past approach to downtown parking has left a lot to be desired. But since the inception of the Winnipeg Parking Authority, downtown parking has been changing for the better. One of these improvements is customer service. And have you noticed how clean the pay stations and surrounding areas are?

Of course, there are still more improvements that can be made.

Parking policies need to reflect the current and future needs of a growing, sophisticated city, while harmonizing with the needs of dozens of new residential and commercial developments downtown over the past six years.

To better understand our emerging needs, the Downtown Business Improvement Zone has been conducting surveys and engaging the WPA in informal coffee shop discussions with downtown residents, business owners, students and others.

Many believe our 3,500 on-street parking stalls should be free -- in fact, a recent BIZ survey showed more than 60 per cent of respondents believe those prime, convenient parking spaces on our streets in front of our businesses should be free.

But consider this. There are 70,000 workers, 20,000 students and 14,000 residents who drive and park in and around our downtown every day. If parking were free, prime spots would be snapped up at 7 a.m. and wouldn't free up until after the workday finished. Meanwhile, casual shoppers would be left without on-street spaces.

In modern downtowns, on-street parking is meant to have regular turnover and time-saving convenience for shorter stays. Parking lots and parkades are ideal for longer stays when you don't have to watch the clock to avoid a ticket. "Free parking means no parking," as they say. In fact, on-street parking should cost more than lot parking since it's premium, convenient and limited. This would push longer-term parkers to lots. But the reverse is true in Winnipeg.

Our survey also revealed the anger and fear of getting a parking ticket -- it's a much bigger disincentive to returning downtown than plugging a parking meter. A few years ago the BIZ successfully advocated that parking fines for expired time should not be increased and we again are arguing the same thing.

Time regulation, parking tickets, and meter fees are tools used in moderation to create a balance -- the result is 15 per cent availability of parking space at the curb or two spaces available for every 10 occupied. Thinking as a customer, if I found one empty parking space for every five cars, visiting downtown Winnipeg would be a breeze.

The parking authority's proposal for rate increases in high-demand areas makes sense to ensure there is turnover and availability. Starting the meters earlier also makes sense, as many people may attend an appointment starting before 9 a.m. but can't plug the meter until 9 a.m. However, weekend parking should encourage more visitors to downtown. Perhaps paying one dollar for three hours would allow Saturday parkers to still have two hours free and would provide for more leisurely shopping.

It's time to change our way of thinking about parking in Winnipeg. It's time to improve on our on-street parking polices in a manner that changes the culture of parking, recognizing these tools should be used to balance the needs and interests of everyone in downtown.

Stefano Grande is the executive

director of the Downtown BIZ

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 16, 2011 A10