City to unveil new parking program

A new parking strategy will be unveiled on Thursday at Winnipeg City Hall.

The strategy aims at making downtown parking more accessible, but it may come at a cost.

“Make it easy for people, when they are coming to the downtown or other areas in the city, where we might end up having paid parking, just open an app and be able to see where they will likely find a parking spot. To reduce the amount of time that people are circling on the street,” said Ajaleigh Williams, the manager of strategic initiatives for Winnipeg Parking Authority.

The city is eyeing the parking strategy as a four-year-long project aimed to improve parking policies, but with it comes fare changes.

At this stage, the parking authority is looking to implement paid parking in places with an existing time limit, in hopes it will help address parking challenges.

“So, in some cases, rates might go up in areas where we have a lot of parking availability issues. With the idea of a higher rate, meaning people will move their vehicles more often. And it also, on the flip side, gives the ability to look at maybe where we don’t need paid parking anymore and can revert that. So, it will go both ways,” said Williams.

The strategy is in an early development stage and not in action yet; however, some Winnipeg residents have concerns.

“It’s a bit of a nuisance. You know, you are paying all the regular time. It would be nice to have an opportunity to come downtown. And explore our downtown. And for it to be free, and the parking to be accessible. A couple of dollars here and there makes a difference. With all the inflation going on,” said Jeremie Bremault, a Winnipeg resident.

Lucas Kandin, another Winnipeg resident, said, “Whatever they need to do to make sure the city doesn’t run into a deficit. I’m all for it. So, if they see it as a way of making extra revenue by charging for parking in high usage areas like this. I’m all for it.”

If the strategy is approved by city council on Thursday, the Winnipeg Parking Authority will begin gathering data on areas of high demand.

Officials with the city say it could take up to a year.