MPI cuts off public parking downtown

Some commuters who work in downtown Winnipeg are frustrated after finding out they’re losing access to monthly parking spots in lots owned by Manitoba Public Insurance.

The Crown corporation has acquired parking spaces, currently managed by Impark for its staff, and is adding desks and renovating some floors at its Cityplace headquarters to prepare for more employees to return to the office full time, sources told the Free Press.

MPI, which owns the Cityplace complex and parkades within the tower and at 266 Hargrave St., is eliminating daily parking and reducing the number of non-MPI monthly parkers to “prioritize” parking availability for employees who work at the headquarters, spokeswoman Kristy Rydz said.

The changes will come into effect Nov. 1 for the 266 Hargrave parkade and Dec. 1 for the Cityplace tower parkade. The lots will become card-access only.

Rydz said public parking for evening and weekend events will not be affected and will continue to be available.

MPI wouldn’t say how many parking spaces will be affected by the changes.

A source, who asked to remain anonymous, said staff received an email last month about changes to hybrid work arrangements and parking lots, and an update on construction projects at MPI’s headquarters.

Managers and directors who were allowed to work remotely some days per week were previously told they will be required in the office full time in October.

Additional employees involved in project delivery were told they will have to work full time in the office starting January, the source said.

The source said they expect more MPI employees to be told to return to the office full-time, ending their hybrid work arrangements, in the new year.

People who park at 266 Hargrave said the fact that spaces for daily or monthly users are being taken away is troubling.

“I’m very frustrated. It’s difficult already finding parking in this parking lot,” commuter Kaydence Beddome said.

Walking through the covered parkade, she said MPI is “not at all” considering the people who depend on the lots.

The alternative — parking on the street and moving her car every two hours, or parking in a parkade a 10-minute walk away — is a hassle when it comes to her daily commute.

Signs were posted earlier this month to advise parkade users of the changes. Beddome doesn’t think customers were given enough notice.

Walking with Beddome through the lot, Gabrielle Westendorf said the loss of parking is an issue.

“I already live 35 minutes away, so I already have to leave my house a little early to find parking, because just off the bat, this parking lot is not very reliable,” she said. “It always fills up really fast.”

Westendorf said she’d rather not park her car on downtown streets.

“I’ve had cars that have been vandalized in the past not too far from here,” she said.

On his way to a Manitoba Moose game Oct. 16, Glenn Hertes said he depends on the Cityplace parkade when he drives in from out of town. He worries the changes will affect hockey fans and others who use the parkade while attending downtown events.

“It’s critical people can get to, from and move around downtown easily and affordably, whether that’s by car, bus, bike or on foot.”

“It means you’re going to have to come earlier to get a spot somewhere else,” he said.

Steve Wiebe and his wife were also visiting from out of town. Wiebe said he’ll likely have to use other parkades, which can be a “zoo” after large events.

“There probably are other parking spots, but this one’s so convenient,” he said.

Downtown Winnipeg has more than 20,000 to 30,000 on- and off-street parking spaces, according to some estimates, from a mix of public and private providers.

Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said figures show there is ample parking available downtown for employees and visitors.

“A number of years ago, the issue was one that we had an oversaturation of downtown parking, in particular surface parking lots,” he said.

“We know that vibrant downtowns strike a balance between making sure you have available parking and alternative modes of transportation in and through your downtown.”

“An oversaturation of parking is a problem, but a dearth of parking, should that ever happen, that would be equally problematic.”

The Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone echoed that position.

“Parking and mobility are an important part of supporting a vibrant and thriving downtown,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“It’s critical people can get to, from and move around downtown easily and affordably, whether that’s by car, bus, bike or on foot.”

While figures indicate the area has more than sufficient parking, some people may not be able to find spaces that are nearest to their destination, Remillard noted.

He said developers of new downtown buildings give a “conscious, thoughtful approach” that considers all transportation modes, including automobiles and public transit.

“An oversaturation of parking is a problem, but a dearth of parking, should that ever happen, that would be equally problematic,” Remillard said.

fpcity@winnipegfreepress.com