Tim Lee, Planner, provided an overview of the Zoning By-law Amendment to Reduce Residential Parking Requirements along the Hazel McCallion Line (north of the QEW).
In response to Councillor Tedjo’s enquiries regarding whether there is data on the number of requests for exemptions of parking minimums made by the developers and the actual number of parking spaces created, Tim Lee, Planner advised that one of the considerations for the reduced parking rates was based on applications to the Committee of Adjustment requesting reductions, and further advised that he did not have the data of the actual number of sparking spaces created; however, he would report back to Councillor Tedjo.
In response to Councillor Damerla’s enquiry with respect to the timelines for the Federal government to announce no parking minimums, Jason Bevan, Director, City Planning Strategies, noted that he understands that the federal government would be consulting with the province on matters of provincial and local responsibility prior to making any final announcement. Mr. Bevan further noted that the staff would also be seeking clarity from the federal government on the criteria for boundaries around transit areas and the definition of high order transit.
In response to Councillor Damerla’s enquiry, Tim Lee, Planner, explained the criteria for reduced parking rates for new developments.
In response to Councillor Damerla’s enquiry, Jason Bevan, Director, City Planning Strategies, explained the process and timelines with respect to requests to reduce parking rates below the minimum standard rate.
In response Councillor Horneck’s enquiry, Jason Bevan, Director, City Planning Strategies advised that the LRT corridor has the most development in city and that data gathered from this exercise will be helpful for future consideration in other areas, and further, Mr. Bevan advised that parking minimums, including reductions and eliminations have been identified by the provincial task force and noted that there is talk that the province may be making further planning changes that may include parking minimums.
In response to Councillor Kovac’s enquiry, Jason Bevan, Director, City Planning Strategies, explained the type of issues and/or parking trends that may warrant a change to the zoning by-law.
In response to Councillor Damerla’s enquiry Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building, advised that adding a recommendation to review the parking minimums in two years is not necessary as staff would review this initiative as part of practice procedures. Mr. Whittemore, emphasized that the criteria being put forward provides for conditions beyond just transit, to make zero parking work, and noted that the federal and provincial governments ought to consider these criteria to make the initiative successful.
The following person spoke:
- Rahul Mehta, Founder, Sustainable Mississauga and Co-founder, Stop Sprawl Peel, expressed concern that the city did not take the opportunity to eliminate parking minimums along the LRT and named other cities across Canada that have eliminated parking minimums and yet have not experienced a surge in illegal parking, obstructing live lanes or causing traffic congestion.