The City is undertaking a Citywide Parking Strategy study to develop a comprehensive policy, planning, and implementation framework for managing parking in the City of Markham. This workshop presented preliminary parking policies and strategies for consideration towards completing the study.
Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, provided an introduction and introduced Loy Cheah to provide further information on the workshop. Loy Cheah, Senior Manager, Transportation, provided a further introduction, including an introduction to the consulting team from WSP.
Sharon Sterling, Principal Consultant, WSP, provided an overview of technical information related to developing the strategy and the process thus far. Christine Furtado, WSP, provided an overview of written comments provided through the engagement process.
Ms. Sterling outlined the revised draft parking vision, draft parking principles and draft parking zones and guidelines.
Ms. Furtado, conducted an idea sharing session with participants to solicit feedback on the revised parking zones and criteria.
The Committee asked whether one-on-one conversations with individual Councillors could take place as the ideas for one ward may not impact another. Director Clarizio advised that Staff felt that a workshop format would allow all of Committee to discuss and formulate innovative ideas and solutions for the entire City.
The Committee commented that Heritage areas should be treated as a separate focus with their own parking strategy.
Ms. Sterling shared information on the draft policies for land development for the City and Ms. Furtado led Committee through a discussion on those draft land development parking policies.
The Committee commented on the importance of transportation demand management throughout the City and in different geographic areas of the City. The Committee expressed concern with the reduction or removal of parking minimums, as this could result in increased density. Ms. Sterling confirmed the need for "right-sizing" parking to be City specific and location specific. Ms. Sterling expressed the importance of striking a balance by establishing walkable developments and enhancing active transportation.
The Committee asked if through reducing or removing parking minimums, assets which were formerly under a condominium corporation were being transferred to taxpayer responsibility and cost. Director Clarizio advised that with the current structure, reducing parking rates would shift parking requirements onto offsite areas, noting that Staff are looking to other transportation mode options. Mr. Cheah added that the City is moving towards more walkable and bikeable communities, shrinking rights of way to reduce the paved portion of roadways, removing the width available for on-street parking.
The Committee asked if a policy on reduced parking minimums could be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Claudia Storto, City Solicitor, advised that the OLT would not have jurisdiction over a City policy, only over specific development applications.
Ms. Sterling presented draft policies on curbside management and on-street parking plan. Ms. Furtado then led a discussion to solicit feedback on those draft policies.
The Committee expressed concerns with parking in residential areas, noting that there are many instances of parking on front yards or paving front yards to allow further parking, which they noted could increase if on-street parking is not permitted. Director Clarizio confirmed that strategies surrounding residential parking would continue to be explored.
Mara Bullock, WSP, presented the draft parking technology plan. Micha Gutmanis, WSP, presented the electric vehicle parking considerations.
Ms. Furtado led the discussion on the EV parking plan and parking technology plan.
The Committee questioned the location of electric vehicle chargers, asking if their proximity to buildings is to encourage electric car use. The Committee asked if there is anything that can be done better to promote use of electric vehicles. Ms. Bullock noted that historically, EV Chargers were placed near buildings to promote use of electric vehicles, noting that new findings suggest that these locations are not preferred by EV users. Ms. Bullock agreed that the City needs to continue strategizing with respect to charging to ensure chargers are placed in areas that ensure needs are met.
Shawn Smith, WSP, presented on the draft micromobility parking plan and the draft trails and major parks parking management plan.
Ms. Furtado led a discussion on both of the aforementioned plans.
The Committee commented on existing issues with respect to parking near trails, particularly with respect to the multi-use pathway in Milne Park. Director Clarizio confirmed that Staff are looking to develop a policy to ensure that when new trails are built, the parking supply is sufficient. Director Clarizio also confirmed that Staff are looking to develop strategies to tackle legacy issues as well.
Mr. Cheah provided a summary of next steps with respect to developing the Citywide parking strategy, advising that all feedback will be considered from this workshop and other consultations.
The Committe asked when recreational vehicle parking would be discussed. Mr. Cheah advised that as this is a new area, Staff will need more time to further consider it.
The Committee suggested a meeting in future with round table groups be hosted in the Canada Room for further input and discussion.