(Facebook/City of Meadow Lake)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Potential Changes

Changes for downtown parking in Meadow Lake being discussed

Sep 27, 2023 | 1:32 PM

The City of Meadow Lake is discussing whether it should change its downtown parking policy.

Right now, people can pay to use a spot for two hours, while those who receive a fine have 96 hours to pay and have it lowered from $100 to $50.

Mayor Merlin Seymour introduced a motion on Monday that would change the limit to four hours, despite being a main advocate for the current restriction.

He told meadowlakeNOW some people appear to be taking advantage of the hours and increasing them could cause even more problems.

“I’ve personally had people saying they can’t park in front of (a specific business) because business owners are parking there,” he said.

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Seymour explained he understands this frustration as most people will always try and find a parking spot as close as possible to the place they want to go to. He also believes this could be leading people away from visiting downtown if this continues, especially if they change the hours.

Also up for discussion is extending the time for people to pay their fines reduced from 96 hours (four days) to seven days.

The city will be sending a draft letter to downtown business owners who will be able to share their thoughts on both changes. They’ll have until Oct. 5 to respond with the city’s council planning to discuss the policy on Oct. 10.

“We’re trying to turn this around as quick as we can and see what everyone wants,” said Seymour.

Meanwhile, the Meadow Lake Chamber of Commerce has already shared its thoughts on downtown parking with the city.

In a letter, they said many of their member businesses have told them they aren’t fans of the current system.

“Businesses have felt that parking enforcement has been viewed by them and their patrons as a revenue-generating tactic and not for the reason of creating order and safety,” read the letter.

They highlighted several issues including inconsistent enforcement, the appeals process for those who feel shouldn’t have been fined, and just an overall lack of parking.

Overall, they believe there needs to be a balanced approach that’s fair to businesses and drivers.

While they did not specifically say whether they believe parking should be free, extended, or stay as is for the entire downtown core, they do believe four-hour parking would be beneficial for medical services locations.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow