Work continues on Downtown Parking Strategy

KAWARTHA LAKES: An update on the Downtown Parking Strategy Lindsay, Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon was presented at a recent council meeting.

The strategy was initially launched in late 2018, and the recent presentation at Council’s meeting on July 16th gave councillors, as well as City staff the opportunity to learn of the study’s progress.

During their presentation, representatives from IBI Group brought forward data that has been collected, including key findings and common themes heard from the public and stakeholders.

Among the findings presented by IBI Group were that paid parking, or an increase to existing parking fees was not generally supported. As well, a parking garage “would not be positively received by a majority of residents and business owners.”

IBI Group will continue to collect data through the summer, and their online survey is available on the City of Kawartha Lakes website through until the end of August.

According to City staff, a second round of public and stakeholder meetings will be scheduled later this year in each of the three communities to present preliminary recommendations and receive further input.

“Our recommendations need to consider available options and their costs in order to determine the optimal solution for each downtown area,” explained Peter Richards, Associate Director-Practice Lead, Transportation Engineering for IBI Group. “We are working towards a solution that best fits the needs and interests of each of the three communities under examination.”

The Downtown Parking Strategy is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, with a presentation to councillors slated for early 2020.

Photo courtesy of KawathaLakes.ca

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