City reviewing its parking landscape

Oshawa has initiated a study to map out its future parking requirements.

The citywide parking study will review and assess requirements in both residential areas across the city, and the downtown core.

Issues to be addressed in the study include the number of required parking spots, as well as the required location and size of the spots.

According to a media release, the study will anticipate parking demand, and accommodate it “through environmentally, socially and economically sustainable policies.”

The first phase of the study involves city staff seeking public feedback on topics such as on and off street parking, private parking and overall city parking operations.

Residents can share their comments through a parking study survey, as well as on a crowdsourced parking map, where they can make parking-related suggestions in pinpointed areas.

The survey and map are available online at connectoshawa.ca.

Comments can also be made in person at community engagement events on Tuesday, April 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Delpark Homes Centre (1661 Harmony Road North), Monday, April 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the South Oshawa Community Centre (1455 Cedar Street), and Wednesday, April 17 between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Donevan Recreation Complex (171 Harmony Road South).

The second phase, planned for this summer, will present preliminary findings and recommendations for further review and comment from the community.

The city is conducting the parking study in coordination with consultant IBI Group.

Ward 2 regional councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri said the time has come for the city to address its parking needs.

“It is pretty clear the city is growing, and the needs for the community are significantly expanding in terms of what pressures we have in residential neighbourhoods,” Marimpietri said. “We currently have a parking strategy that is outdated and needs to be modernized.”

Intensification and development in the downtown core will drastically change the requirements in that area as well.

“We want to make sure we have the appropriate consultation from the public to formulate a strategy that modernizes our parking strategy plan,” Marimpietri said.

While noting Oshawa has the most downtown on-street parking of any municipality in Durham Region, Marimpietri says there is always room for improvement.

“That’s what we are seeking public consultation. It’s a positive initiative,” Marimpietri stated.