Powell River residents complain about parking on Marine Avenue almost as much as they complain about BC Ferries. City of Powell River staff have studied the situation in the past few months and recently put forward recommendations to address some of the issues.
After counting parking spaces and calculating how many are required through the city’s zoning bylaw, staff discovered there are more than enough south of Burton Street, but fewer than required to the north. They also realized that many of the parking spaces available off Willingdon Avenue are under-utilized, because of the lack of signage and poorly lit and maintained access.
Staff have come up with practical and low cost solutions to some of the problems. Some of the proposals rest with city officials, while others will have to be addressed by property owners.
For example, reducing the number of parking spaces the zoning bylaw requires seems appropriate and smart. Staff are also recommending reducing the number of required spaces when a building’s use is changed or expanded—another good solution. They have also recommended an incentive for developers who include bike facilities in their plans—another smart move that also supports alternative transportation.
To address the problem of access to Willingdon, staff propose striking a task force. That is an excellent way to bring stakeholders together and develop solutions that will work for the community.
Before asking council to approve the recommendations, staff suggested the study should be forwarded to MABA (Marine Area Business Association) and Powell River Chamber of Commerce for feedback. Staff will then provide the comments to elected officials before the study is referred to council for debate and a vote on the recommendations.
The report includes a staff proposal for the vacant lot on the southeast corner of Marine and Alberni Street. MABA has been working on a project to install a town clock on the site, along with benches and landscaping to create an attractive greenspace that welcomes pedestrians. Staff have made a counter-proposal that includes the clock and greenspace concept, but keeps 11 parking spaces on site. Many people have pointed out the plan is better suited to fewer or no parking spots. In the end, it will be council’s decision.
Until then, there is time for the wider community to become informed about staff’s recommendations and let council know what they think. This is an excellent opportunity to offer solutions to what has been an ongoing issue, which now has the potential to be improved.
