Councillors drop overnight parking ban on all streets

Councillors have approved the removal of the 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. parking prohibition on all town streets.

The recommendation from town staff to lift the prohibition comes after consultation from residents in each of the five areas of Niagara-on-the-Lake, councillors heard Monday.

Lord Mayor Betty Disero told councillors she had attended all five meetings, and very few residents showed up. 

Overnight parking became an issue when some residents of The Village asked that the prohibition be dropped, and surveys and community engagement sessions indicated broad support for the removal of the overnight parking prohibition, which was also supported by town staff, Monday’s report says.

Disero said there were also a small number of residents who wanted it enforced. There were heated discussions during the previous council with residents divided — those who wanted the rule enforced, because parked cars near one intersection were causing an obstructed view, and others who had garages too small for the cars they owned, and needed to park on the street.

Disero suggested a compromise: that a no parking sign be moved from its current location at Jordan Street and Garrison Village Drive to provide a better sightline, and that the parking ban be lifted.

Although there were objections about moving a sign with no input from staff or technical data about whether it should be moved, or if so, how far. Disero agreed her request was based on politics, and with advice from interim CAO Sheldon Randall, modified her request to ask that the sign be moved, but that town staff determine the best spot for it,  and her motion passed.

The decision will be ratified by council Feb. 24.