NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKING ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS.

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1 1 NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKING ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS. KSAN believes that residential neighbourhoods should not be used as parking lots to service hospitals, public parks, commercial zones, schools, colleges, universities or other generators of parking demand. Many other cities in BC and across Canada also recognize this practice as undesirable. KSAN is experiencing increased parking pressure in some areas of its neighbourhoods, particularly in areas where "pay to park" facilities result in drivers seeking out free and easy alternatives on the streets in our residential neighbourhoods. The streets belong to everyone when used in a fair and balanced manner. Kelowna s growing pains are not unique and we can look upon many other examples of how other municipalities have handled the same problems to ensure balance and positive livability in residential neighbourhoods. With the expanding population of the Central Okanagan and the City of Kelowna s agenda to increase density in or near the urban core, comes many problems particularly traffic and parking. With increasing parking fees and inadequate amount of parking spaces, comes the hard reality of those who choose to avoid payment and drive around looking for free options. And it s natural that if a free option exists next to one that requires payment, the free option will be used and exploited. To eliminate or minimize the problems associated to transient parking and traffic pressures, KSAN supports Resident Parking Only (RPO) type programs as the solution. This aligns with an overwhelming majority of Canadian cities that have implemented RPO programs to control transient parking pressures on residential neighbourhoods. Kelowna installed RPO on the north side of Royal Ave in 1998 to deal with the problems associated to Cancer Clinic activity. Despite 2 petitions submitted in 1998 and 2009 asking for RPO to expand further next to KGH and countless requests by , phone and in meetings, the City of Kelowna continues to avoid RPO in other areas. The proven benefits of RPO programs: Reduced traffic, noise, garbage, blocked driveways, parking too close to driveways, use of private driveways for turn around, damage to public and private landscaping, smokers, loitering, parking rage, etc. Reduced burden on city administration and time spent by bylaw officers patrolling and enforcing. Reduced burden on residents having to call in violations. Most folks understand and respect signs. Safer, quieter residential neighbourhood streets promotes strong neighbourhood livability, character and stability. Less driving around looking for free parking means less pollution and wasted fuel. Ensure stable property values and positive resale ability. Motivate folks to use designated pay to park facilities to help offset parking infrastructure costs. Motivate folks to use alternate forms of transportation such as walking, cycling, public transit, carpool and ride sharing options.

2 2 The following are 3 prime examples of how other cities with the same type of parking issues have adopted RPO as best practice to protect and foster strong neighbourhoods: 1. BRAMPTON ONTARIO Brampton Civic Hospital opened in It was a new hospital built next to a residential area. Shortly after opening, the surrounding residential neighbourhood was inundated with hospital patrons (staff, visitors patients) seeking free parking. The resident s did not like this and petitioned city for resident parking only. After considerable studies and planning, Brampton city staff and council approved RPO and in Feb 2010 the program moved forward and was installed ABBOTSFORD BC Abbotsford Regional Hospital opened in Before it became operational, RPO was installed in the residential neighbourhood adjacent to the hospital. NO studies. NO petitions. NO debates.

3 3 3. PENTICTON BC In January 2010, Penticton Hospital implemented pay to park on its parking lots. This caused hospital patrons to seek free parking in the residential neighbourhood. The residents did not like this and petitioned the city to install resident parking only. City council responded in favour of the request. October 2010, RPO signs were installed on the streets and placards distributed to home owners:

4 4 3. PENTICTON BC (cont d) In 2014, after a complete assessment of the city s parking needs and problems, Penticton implemented a city wide resident parking program than includes RPO in areas other than the hospital: g%20flyer_final.pdf

5 3. PENTICTON BC (cont d) 5

6 6 3. PENTICTON BC (cont d) g%20faq_final.pdf

7 7 Wikipedia: Alternative forms of Transportation: City of Kelowna and various levels of government have been investing heavily in improvements to public transit, cycling and walking networks. Urban planners and elected officials frequently encourage citizens to walk, bike, carpool or use public transit. KSAN supports these efforts and any other initiatives that reduce parking and traffic problems on our neighbourhoods and city. PLEASE: RESPECT OUR RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS! BE PART OF THE SOLUTIONS!

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