The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) says they’re not opposed to instating parking fees on Sundays, as long as they’re under the right circumstances.
This week Black Press broke the news that the City of Victoria is considering instating parking fees on Sundays to subsidize youth transit passes for those 18 and under.
READ MORE: Victoria considers instating Sunday parking fees to subsidize youth transit passes
Since the idea went public, there has been a lot of feedback, with most readers against the idea.
But for Jeff Bray, executive director of the DVBA, having parking fees might actually help local businesses, which might see less people coming downtown on Sundays because street parking is usually full.
“Anecdotally, employees might park there, or people who did the right thing the night before after drinking may come back Sunday afternoon or Monday morning,” Bray said. “Those retailers who rely on the convenience of parking, the lack of frequency of change at street parking can be challenging.”
READ MORE: Public outcry to suggestion of Sunday parking fees to pay for youth bus passes
Bray continued to say that people popping in for a quick coffee or croissant might often bypass the stop, all while parkades are usually empty on weekends.
“Charging for street parking may be a benefit for retailers,” Bray said. “But we’re absolutely not in favour of charging for the parkades.”
The idea is early in its development, and Bray said that all DVBA members have not been consulted, but for now the association is interested in hearing what city staff report on once the idea is further researched.
“We’re always looking at ways to increase parking capacity,” Bray said. “We really want to make sure any policy changes support and enhance our members and visitors.”
