Some of Williams Lake’s residential streets are problematic when it comes to parking, according to a resident.
Last month Crosina Crescent resident Richard Vollo wrote an e-mail to city councillor Surinderpal Rathor outlining his concerns that parking has become a real issue over the last year on his street.
“Many homes along Crosina have rental suites. I have nothing against residential suites; however, the issue of parking needs to be addressed,” Vollo said, suggesting the city should adopt a Vancouver model where parking directly in front of homes is limited to two hours and if it’s for more than that, vehicles need to display an owner occupied permit.
His letter was discussed during the Sept. 11 committee of the whole meeting and then referred to the Sept. 18 regular council meeting, where council agreed the Planning and Operations Committee should review on-street parking regulations for its 2013 Development Services Business Plan.
The city also issued a press release on Sept. 18 reminding residents to be courteous when it comes to on-street parking.
There are several areas that residents are able to park on streets without restrictions other than vehicles must be parked no longer than 48 hours in a residential area, unless otherwise posted. To maintain this convenience to residents, it is respectful to neighbours to be courteous when parking. Along with the Traffic Control Bylaws in place, this will be enforced if a violation is noted, the city’s press release state.
On Sept. 27, Vollo told the Tribune there are examples of homeowners on his street that are renting out their entire home to three tenants, and each tenant might have a vehicle.
“Now you’ve got three cars and a driveway that’s most of the time not being used and people are parking on the street so you end up with a real mess.”
Sometimes he can’t put his garbage cans out, he added.
“We have to come up with something to appropriately regulate the parking. The problem is only going to increase.”
Vollo has a driveway and parks in his garage, but his guests cannot find parking.
“It is congested and we do have a problem. I don’t think people are being intentionally obstructive, but there has to be some sort of regulation,” he said.
