New paid parking system sparks concerns for businesses in Old Strathcona
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Some businesses are concerned that the City of Edmonton's changes to the parking system at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market (OSFM) will impact their operations.
Free two-hour parking at 83rd Avenue and Gateway Boulevard lot on Saturdays will be no more, as the City is set to take over the lot's management staring April 6.
The market has leased the parking lot from the City for the last 40 years, which allowed it to provide parking to visitors, along with discounted parking for other businesses around the area.
In June 2023, city councillors voted to not renew the lease.
Farmers' market patrons — and anyone parking there any other day of the week — will have to pay $2.50 per hour, with different maximums depending on the time of day.
No EPark machines will be installed there, so all drivers will have to pay with an app or online.
WATCH | What lies ahead for the parking lot near the OSFM?
Old Strathcona Farmers' Market parking lot could become a park
6 months ago
Duration 2:17
The City said the change is part of its Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, aimed at preparing for the future of the area.
"The transition of the parking lot back to the City enables the City to begin the early preparation and scoping towards the long-term goal of establishing a district park," said the city of Edmonton in a statement to CBC News.
"An additional park will add space for the public visiting Old Strathcona to play, be active, and relax."
Micaela Szpigiel, the OSFM communications coordinator, said that although the new parking fee is relatively low, it could discourage people from visiting.
"Unfortunately, there are a lot of comments being made of people not coming to support our market because of the free parking," she said in an interview.
"But we're hoping that our team can really get the word out about this parking change so that people don't get tickets from the city and they can still come and support their favourite local farmers market."
For the OSFM, it says these parking changes could impact foot traffic, particularly tourist visitors, many of whom arrive in motorhomes.
To help mitigate the impact of the new parking system, the OSFM is making some changes of its own.
Starting in May, the market will open on Saturdays and Mondays, and they're exploring the possibility of opening on additional days during the week.
It is also offering some giveaways to help customers pay for their parking fees between April and May.
The Varscona Theatre, located just across the market, was one of those businesses that benefited from the discounted parking offered by the market.
Kendra Connor, the theatre's executive director, said the market's parking has been essential for their patrons.
"We've had a $3 discount for six hours of parking for our customers, which is really generous," she said.
"It's allowed our patrons to come see a show, perhaps stay for drinks or dessert afterwards, or go for dinner before a show."
Though the hourly rate will decrease from $3.15 to $2.50 and the daily rate will drop from $18 to $10, Connor said the switch raises concerns about accessibility for some of their visitors.
"Many of them are older, some of them have mobility needs or are disabled," she said. "So their ability to get close, accessible parking is really crucial to them coming and enjoying our shows."
Both the OSFM and the Varscona Theatre expressed their support for the overall goals of the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, but they aren't convinced that eventually replacing the parking lot with a park is the best solution for the community.
The Varscona Theatre plans to communicate the parking changes to their patrons through social media, newsletters, to ensure a smooth transition, said Connor.
"Some of our patrons have a difficult time using apps, so we'll be on hand in the lobby to make sure that we can answer any questions and get their parking set up for them," Connor said.
"We just want to make it as clean and easy and simple for folks to get to the theatre."
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