As a seasonal resident to the Bruce I have seen the paid parking actually become a deterrent to visiting the two towns not only for myself, but also for many cottagers in the area.
I along with friends in the region now spend far less money in Tobermory and Lion’s Head due to the paid parking. We used to frequent the restaurants and shop in the local stores quite often.
Since paid parking has come into effect we average going into town once or twice a year at most to spend our vacation dollars. We don’t even shop for groceries anymore at Hellyer’s. We now bring it all from home.
If local council is serious about wanting the tourist dollars to the region, then they really need to re-think paid parking. I can maybe see it in the Tobermory harbour area at most to relieve congestion in the harbour, but certainly not in surrounding streets of Tobermory, and certainly not in Lion’s Head.
Steven Rogers
