Would permitting smaller parking lots encourage more Londoners to bike or bus?
City hall is poised to lift minimum parking standards in some of London’s busiest commercial corridors, and slash requirements everywhere else in half.
Currently, the minimum number of parking spots required in a new commercial development depends on a building’s size, location and use.
There are also parking requirements for most residential developments.
“Cars take up an astronomical amount of space in a city,” said cycling advocate Jamieson Roberts. “Putting up more buildings that don’t have quite as much parking isn’t going to change things drastically in the short-term, and in the long-term hopefully people will start to adapt their habits.”
In a new report to the Planning and Environment Committee, city staff recommend that in core business districts and along primary transit routes developers be permitted to provide as little parking as the market/customers require.
Elsewhere else in the city minimum parking requirements for commercial and residential developments will be cut by about 50 percent.
“Businesses and developers know their parking needs best, and they should have the flexibility to provide an appropriate parking supply,” explained Isaac de Ceuster, a planner with city hall.
De Ceuster added that the formulas to calculate minimum parking requirements haven’t been overhauled since 1993.
The staff report suggests that smaller parking lots align with the city’s Climate Emergency Action Plan by increasing urban density and encouraging Londoners to consider public transit and active transportation.
Coun. John Fyfe-Millar, who represents downtown neighbourhoods, intends to ask staff about how some of the changes were developed and calculated.
“We have to think big picture. We have to think 12 months of the year. When we have events do we have adequate parking for those events?” Fyfe-Millar asked.
He said reducing the size of parking lots too much could lead to overflow parking on nearby residential streets.
“This is not an argument for me about cycling or about driving. To me this is about having a downtown where everyone should feel welcome to come to,” Fyfe-Millar said.
Jamieson said even after the changes there will be excessive parking in central London and told CTV News London, “In terms of the core, we already have a glut of parking. The last study showed at peak [times] only 83 per cent was being used.”
Changes to parking minimums would not impact accessible parking requirements.
The requirement for bicycle parking, however, would increase.
The Planning and Environment Committee will discuss the changes on July 25.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.