Dear Editor,
In the 1980s when there were many discussions about the National Park some of the local “wits” dubbed these exchanges as “Parkin’ It”. So here is my “Parkin’ It” on Bruce County Planner Jack Van Dorp’s recommendation to council to approve applications by Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor for parking lots on Hay Bay and Legion St.
First, some history.
The MNBP (Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula) had hoped to supplement our Legion St parking by acquiring the MTO property on Hay Bay Rd (we now park some oversized vehicles at the shed area). Our previous CAO Bill Jones reached out to Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), and was optimistic, so the Environmental Assessment was completed on this property. However, since the land was still owned by the province, when the SON land claim went to court, no government lands could be transferred and it did not proceed.
Some letters to council that indicate the MNBP is also adding 300 sites is incorrect as this plan is a no go – Strike 1.
The Brock St property was purchased a few years ago (paid for by parking revenues). However, the community appeared to feel that this area could have better uses, and I do agree – Strike 2.
I have DEFINITELY heard complaints about needing more suitable parking… was this not one of the main reasons for paid parking? If not, I am going to have to totally recalibrate my brain. We heard our residents’ complaints about parking issues on their roads and responded. We have significantly reduced or completely eliminated parking at Big Tub, the Gap, Grant Watson, Little Cove, Dunks Bay, Hwy 6, in town – the list goes on. OSTC (Chi-Cheemaun) has restricted their parking. Parks Canada turns away hundreds some days (and they all pretty much head into town). I can recall parking on both sides of Hay Bay back almost a kilometre… now mainly posted No Parking. We are under pressure to further restrict parking on roadsides.
Collectively, hundreds of spots have been eliminated, and we have not added anything. We are really good at telling people where they can’t park, and yet here they are… circling town. If we have learned anything, it should be that if we don’t plan and provide services, people get very creative.
Sorry… more history.
A couple of years ago a private owner wanted to develop a parking lot at Hwy 6 and Maple Golf Crescent. There were objections by residents of Maple Golf (legitimate, as MTO did not want access off the highway). While the project eventually passed planning requirements (there is a process… we don’t just get to decide, although we can add a lot with site plan control) it was abandoned by the applicant.
The Municipality will be pushing hard for MTO to proceed with what they have already acknowledged is needed… lights at the Hwy 6/Hay Bay Rd intersection. Pedestrian traffic needs to be well directed there to cross and also to not create more issues for residents on Legion St. OSTC was quite helpful in the Safe Communities initiatives to make Hwy 6 safer, so their voice could be very beneficial to help this happen.
Our Site Plan controls at the lots will have to be strictly enforced (we have beefed up the building and bylaw departments) ie: washrooms, garbage, buffering etc. Parking areas are set up in “pods” with granular limestone, not pavement, in a manner to avoid certain natural features. Could small picnic areas alleviate congestion downtown? Unless you have a drone, visual impact would be minimal. Do you really notice Blue Heron parking, except for the bus coming out the west drive on Hay Bay? Bruce Anchor busses turn north on Legion and generally go to the Gap area?
I asked about negative effects on Municipal parking revenues, and was assured that if the town has spaces, they are more than willing to restrict times for their customers. They had assumed letting customers park longer was a benefit, to relieve stress on the downtown. They also want to provide much needed parking for their employees.
I don’t like the effects of over-tourism any more than anyone else (refer to long ago “Parkin’ It” discussions), but as far as setting “capacity” let’s deal in realities. Yes, the National Park can, because they have a staffed gate. HOWEVER… in a free country, smack dab in the middle of a Provincial highway, on the way to a ferry…?? I’m all ears for any DOABLE plans… same with suitable parking areas?
Are we equating restricting parking with restricting tourism? Has that worked? We are pretty much at Strike 3.
Laurie (Smokey) Golden
