Downtown Groups Demand Urgent Parking Strategy Before Fee Changes

UPDATE: Downtown leaders are urgently calling on city officials to reconsider proposed changes to parking fees in Winnipeg’s city center. During a heated public works committee meeting on Thursday, key figures emphasized the critical need to explore expanding paid parking options beyond downtown before any fee adjustments are made.

Kate Fenske, CEO of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, voiced strong opposition to raising parking rates, stressing the importance of keeping downtown accessible for visitors. “It is critical for the economic health of our city that we don’t discourage people from coming downtown,” she warned, highlighting the negative impact of increased fees on local businesses.

The city is currently evaluating a five-year parking strategy that could overhaul parking practices and pricing. Proposed changes include extending paid parking into evening and weekend hours, increasing prices in high-demand areas, and implementing fees in currently free parking zones. Fenske cautioned that the expansion of parking fees beyond downtown might not occur until 2029, if at all, while changes downtown could happen much sooner.

“We must not see any increase in paid parking downtown—whether it be rates, times, or days—before we explore and implement expansions in other areas,” Fenske urged. She also proposed offering two hours of free parking on Fridays to boost foot traffic, particularly on days when the streets feel empty due to remote work trends.

David Pensato, executive director of the Exchange District BIZ, echoed Fenske’s concerns, demanding that the city consult affected businesses before any changes. He referenced a recent extension of parking time limits from two hours to three in the Exchange District, which he argued undermines the goal of ensuring on-street parking turnover.

Pensato remarked, “Some office workers are starting to figure out that if you pay for three hours of parking and then move your car during lunch, you can park on the street all day.” He highlighted the challenges that differing parking policies create for businesses in the city center compared to those in areas with free parking.

The public works committee approved the proposed parking strategy, which will now go before the city council for a vote. Councillor Janice Lukes, chairwoman of the committee, emphasized the need for public consultation before any changes are finalized. She supports exploring new parking fees beyond the core and believes that dedicating parking revenue to the areas where it is generated could be beneficial.

As discussions continue, the urgency to address parking issues remains high, with local leaders pushing for immediate action to ensure the vitality of downtown Winnipeg. The city’s next steps will be critical in balancing revenue generation with the needs of local businesses and residents.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.