THUNDER BAY — Do you have an opinion on parking in the City of Thunder Bay?
If so, now’s the time to make it known, since Monday is the deadline for feedback.
Time is running out to comment on a plan that the city says will “make the Thunder Bay Parking Authority financially sustainable.”
The Parking Authority Financial Plan was presented to City Council as a First Report on Monday, Dec. 11, and will be re-presented with public feedback on Jan. 22, 2024. Some of the recommended changes include increasing parking rates and introducing paid parking at the waterfront.
Among the biggest proposed changes:
• Steep increases to most parking rates at meters, lots, and parkades in 2024
• Inflationary increases to rates from 2025 onwards
• Extending paid parking times to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday
• Paid parking at all Marina Park lots, excluding boating spaces
• Closing five underutilized surface lots (Camelot, Crooks, Machar, Viscount and Nesco) If approved by council, the changes are planned for implementation in June of 2024.
As part of the public review period, the City is looking for feedback on the plan, including what parking services the public uses and how parking should be paid for.
“This plan will help the Parking Authority be less dependent on the taxpayer,” said Keri Greaves, Acting General Manager – Corporate Services.
“The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between affordability and sustainability," Greaves said.
“We want to hear what the public’s thoughts are on these proposed changes.”
A survey is now open on the city’s Get Involved website, at: www.thunderbay.ca/getinvolved. The survey will remain open until Jan. 8.
