What matters

Parking and Transportation

Parking and transportation may seem like everyday issues, but in a small tourism community they affect residents, businesses and visitors.

Harrison needs a long term parking and transportation plan that looks at where we are today and where we expect the community to be in the future.

A Long Term Parking Plan

Before we remove existing parking or commit parking areas to another use, we need to understand where those vehicles are going to go.

That is particularly important when considering the future of the Village owned overflow property.

If that property is ever considered for another use, residents should first see a clear plan showing how the parking capacity will be replaced and how the property may be needed for emergency purposes.

New development also needs to consider its own parking requirements. We should not solve parking problems created by development by simply pushing more vehicles onto surrounding streets.

Pay Parking

I believe we need to look at whether the current approach to pay parking is achieving the right balance between generating revenue, managing visitor parking and supporting local businesses.

I would like Council to examine options for reducing pay parking during quieter periods, including whether weekday pay parking is necessary throughout the tourism season.

During the busiest weekends and major events, parking management may still be necessary.

But our parking policy should respond to actual demand rather than treating every day of the tourism season the same.

Residents

Residents should be able to access their own community without feeling that every trip to the waterfront or Village centre comes with another charge.

I support maintaining an affordable resident parking program and making it simple for residents to use.

We should also continue looking at ways residents can access local businesses, parks and community facilities conveniently.

Supporting Local Business

Parking decisions can directly affect local businesses.

If parking policies discourage people from stopping for lunch, visiting a shop or spending time downtown during quieter periods, we should be willing to look at whether those policies are helping or hurting the local economy.

I would like local businesses to have a meaningful voice when parking policies are reviewed.

We should also explore practical options that allow businesses to validate customer parking where appropriate.

Walking and Getting Around Harrison

Transportation planning is not only about cars.

Harrison is small enough that walking should be a practical way to get around much of the Village.

Safe sidewalks, crossings, accessible routes and connections between neighbourhoods, businesses, parks and the waterfront should be part of our long term planning.

This is particularly important for seniors, people with mobility challenges and families with young children.

Plan Before We Remove

Parking spaces and public land are difficult to replace once they are gone.

As Harrison grows, we need to understand the combined effect of new housing, tourism, major community projects and future development on parking and transportation.

I do not believe we should wait until we have a parking problem and then try to figure out where everyone is going to go.

Plan first.

Then make the decision.