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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.