'It's asinine': Inner city residents critical of new street parking permits
Calgarians who live in multi-residential buildings will soon have access to new permits allowing them to park on the street near their home, but it will come at a cost.
The residential parking zone passes, which could cost up to $150 per month, permit owners to park their vehicles in designated street parking spots within 150 metres of their home in high-congestion parking areas.
The permits will be available to Calgarians who live in multi-residential buildings with more than 20 units as well as those that are at least four storeys tall.
"We were aware of the fact that our residential parking system was very inequitable," said Gian-Carlo Carra, councillor for Ward 9.
"It turned over the public street that we all pay for to a limited number of people and it wasn't cost-effective."
Residents of condo and apartment buildings were declared ineligible for parking permits as a result of changes to the policy approved by council in January, 2021.
The current on-street parking permit program allows residents to get permits for free, but that comes to an end in 2023.
"They're, in essence, destroying the property values (of our homes). Instead of being able to recoup that by taxation, they're going to basically nickel and dime us with parking permits, which we've had forever," said Anthony Wecels, who has lived in the community of Mission for 18 years and uses on-street parking.
Under the new permit program, each apartment or condo unit will be limited to just one non-transferable, paid permit. The paid permit doesn't guarantee parking, as the zones will be open to the public.
"It really just gives them the access to the system, so they'll have to consider that in their decision, in terms of buying the market permit," said Chris Blaschuk, interim general manager of the Calgary Parking Authority.
"There's no guarantees. It's asinine. I still can't get over that this decision was made in such a vibrant community," Wecels said.
The exact monthly fee will be determined by council during budget discussions in November. City officials say the proposed price of the new permits is similar to the cost of off-street parking options and a subsidized rate is being considered for low-income Calgarians.
So, what if someone with a paid on-street permit can't find parking within their zone?
"We really encourage them just to look at the full range of travel choices they have and parking options. In addition to parking within their building, they may be able to get stalls from neighbours or park in other locations," said Blaschuk.
Council approved the new permits on Sept. 13 and the program is expected to be rolled out by the end of the year.
For additional details visit City of Calgary — Residential Parking Zones.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.