A number of recommendations from the City of Barrie's parking ad-hoc committee were approved by councillors following a review of municipal residential parking and current programs.
Most notably, the possible year-round prohibition of on-street overnight parking, which would be instituted along with a single-use permit program, will be referred from general committee to staff to determine the cost and an implementation plan.
If Barrie eventually adopted a year-round overnight ban, it wouldn’t be unprecedented in Ontario. Several municipalities like Brampton and Cambridge already have similar bans in place, although the periods in which the ban stands differ.
Currently, Barrie's overnight parking ban is between midnight and 7 a.m. from Dec. 1 to Mar. 1, along with night restriction hours from 3 a.m. 6 a.m. downtown during snow events.
To compare, Orillia's overnight parking ban runs during the same hours between Nov. 15 and Apr. 15.
A single-use overnight permit program would include, but would not be limited to, online registration, a flat fee, and it wouldn't be linked to a municipal address.
Such a permit system is being referred to the transit and parking strategy department to be included in the update to the City's municipal parking strategy. That process includes outside consultation, and provides staff the opportunity to consider how it could affect other permit systems and parking initiatives.
Moving directly to council for implementation is the restriction of parking on Greer Street on only one side. That will be voted on, and will likely pass, during council's next meeting on Mar. 25.
Other recommendations regarding parking that are moving forward pertain to subdivisions.
First, parking enforcement could begin at building occupancy, prior to the assumption of the subdivision. However, staff have been asked to develop an exemption process for trades, moving
trucks, and contractors as the development is completed.
In completed subdivisions, parking would not be permitted on public laneways, on specific collector roads, or on one side of local streets constructed with an 18m right of way standard.
Specifications were also recommended for adequate parking space in interior garages, and requirements that builders and developers inform potential buyers about on-street parking
limitations within the subdivision and site plan developments.
