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DEPUTATIONS REGARDING MOTION 17-G-082 DEFERRED BY RESOLUTION 17-A-083 CONCERNING A PARKING PROHIBITION ON DUNSMORE LANE (WARD 1)
Pursuant to Section 4.16 of Procedural By-law 2013-072, City Council considered a request by Ms. Sylvia Whiting to provide an emergency deputation in opposition to motion 17-G-082 concerning a parking prohibition on Dunsmore Lane. Upon a vote of City Council being taken, Ms. Whiting was permitted to address City Council.
1. Mr. Lanny Dennis of Wayne Simpson and Associates provided a deputation in opposition to motion 17-G-082 concerning a Parking Prohibition on Dunsmore Lane. Mr. Dennis advised that he is a Land Use Planner and that he was representing a group of people. He discussed the proposed parking restrictions for Dunsmore Lane and the intent to address visitors of the hospital on the lane. He commented that there are already parking restrictions in place on the north side of Dunsmore Lane. He appreciated that staff had reached out with the questionnaire to encourage public participation and noted that he understood that some of residents did not receive the questionnaire. Mr. Dennis advised that he visited the neighbourhood and spoke with several residents who observed that not all the residents received a questionnaire. Mr. Dennis commented that this is where the problems arise when the majority of residents do not respond. Mr. Dennis reviewed his observations concerning the density housing in the area.
Mr. Dennis noted he felt that restricting parking would be a band-aid approach to the situation and that it would cause a cascade effect for people to park on other streets. He discussed his concerns associated with the proposed 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. restrictions, including that residents and visitors would be vying for spots, the impacts on residents who may currently park on the street between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the potential to discourage people from using the park. He observed that Barrie is a commuter city and that residents generally have more vehicles. He noted that residents are enlarging their driveways to accommodate these vehicles, therefore resulting in front lawns being smaller and unattractive. Mr. Dennis discussed his perceptions regarding the logistical problems with the proposed parking prohibition related to residents being unable to clean their driveways and a lack of parking for visitors, trades or parking for those who have home occupations or accessory dwelling units.
In closing, Mr. Dennis requested that City Council defer the decision to provide time to consider other options including a permit system. Mr. Dennis explained the aspects of the permit system in the City of Toronto and noted that he felt that it could work in the City of Barrie as well.
2. Ms. Sylvia Whiting provided a deputation in opposition to motion 17-G-082 concerning a Parking Prohibition on Dunsmore Lane. Ms. Whiting advised that she has owned her home on Dunsmore for over ten years and has been renting it out for approximately five years. Ms. Whiting raised concerns associated with the timing of the notice provided about this issue being considered by Council. She discussed the proposed parking prohibition and the impacts it would cause for any non-residents of the street such as visitors, co-workers, tradespeople and those helping with child or senior care. She questioned where residents would park when clearing snow from their driveways. Ms. Whiting noted that she believed that residents do not have time to obtain special permits.
Ms. Whiting advised she felt that the administrative costs of a parking prohibition report did not identify enforcement, staffing, vehicles, processing of payments, court processing and follow up on unpaid tickets. She believed that this could end up being an administrative nightmare. Ms. Whiting stated that she felt that the catwalk was the primary reason for all the parking issues between Dunsmore Lane and Quarry Ridge Road as it is provides quick access to the hospital and college. She commented that she enjoyed the walkway when she resided on Dunsmore Lane, but if it is causing issues for the people on the street, consideration should be given to closing access to it. Ms. Whiting indicated that relatively few people responded to the survey and that few people complain about the parking. She requested that Council reconsider the parking prohibition and what else can be done. She reviewed her concerns associated with the permit system used in Toronto and noted that cars are always parked on both sides of the road impacting the snow clearing on those streets.
Members of City Council asked questions of Ms. Whiting and City staff and received responses.