Winnipeg’s New Parking Strategy Sparks Business Backlash

UPDATE: Winnipeg’s new parking strategy is facing significant backlash from local business groups, who warn that recent decisions could undermine the plan’s goals. Just announced during a public works committee meeting on October 12, 2023, leaders from the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ expressed concerns over expanded parking hours and a controversial pilot project.

The city’s initiative aims to modernize curb space management but has raised alarm bells among business leaders. David Pensato, executive director of the Exchange District BIZ, revealed that the city launched a pilot project changing parking rules without prior consultation. The pilot extends paid on-street parking limits from two hours to three in parts of the Exchange District, impacting nearly 500 businesses in the area.

Pensato stated, “This defeats the purpose of on-street paid parking, which is to encourage turnover,” emphasizing that long-term parking could deter customers. The project covers several blocks near Red River College Polytechnic and Centennial Concert Hall, designed to accommodate longer visits for students and arts patrons.

Concerns escalated as Pensato highlighted vague language in the strategy that hints at potential evening paid parking, a move local businesses vehemently oppose. “When we were asked about that back in 2017 and 2018, our member businesses were clear they would revolt until such time as paid parking was added to other popular commercial destinations,” he warned.

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s CEO, Kate Fenske, echoed these sentiments, noting that paid parking is mainly concentrated downtown, while other commercial districts offer free parking. “That can be a deterrent sometimes for people supporting the businesses here,” Fenske explained.

Both Pensato and Fenske advocate for a portion of parking revenue to be reinvested into their areas to fund essential improvements like tree-planting, sidewalk repairs, and street furniture. Public works committee chair Coun. Janice Lukes supported this idea, stating, “If you’re going to put parking meters on Corydon Avenue or Centre Street, I think a bit of a carrot-and-stick approach is needed.”

The parking strategy is still pending council approval, and staff will spend the next year analyzing data from the pilot before determining if longer time limits or expanded paid hours should be implemented citywide. The urgency of the situation is palpable, as businesses brace for changes that could affect their bottom line.

As this story develops, local business owners are urged to stay informed and voice their opinions to city officials. The outcome of these discussions could reshape downtown Winnipeg’s commercial landscape, making it a critical issue for all stakeholders involved.