New paid parking system sparks concerns for businesses in Old Strathcona
Operators say new fees at parking lot near farmers' market may affect foot traffic
Some businesses are concerned that the City of Edmonton's changes to the parking system at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market will affect their operations.
Free two-hour parking at 83rd Avenue and Gateway Boulevard lot on Saturdays will be no more, as the city is set to take over management of the lot starting April 6.
The market has leased the parking lot from the city for the last 40 years, which allowed it to provide parking to visitors and discounted parking for other businesses around the area.
In June 2023, city councillors voted to not renew the lease.
Farmers' market patrons — and anyone parking there any other day of the week — will have to pay $2.50 per hour, with different maximums depending on the time of day.
No EPark machines will be installed there, so all drivers will have to pay with an app or online.
WATCH | What lies ahead for the parking lot near the farmers' market?
The city said the change is part of its Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, aimed at preparing for the future of the area.
"The transition of the parking lot back to the city enables the city to begin the early preparation and scoping towards the long-term goal of establishing a district park," the City of Edmonton said in a statement to CBC News.
"An additional park will add space for the public visiting Old Strathcona to play, be active, and relax."
Micaela Szpigiel, communications co-ordinator for the farmers' market, said that although the new parking fee is relatively low, it could discourage people from visiting.
"Unfortunately, there are a lot of comments being made of people not coming to support our market because of the free parking," she said in an interview.
"But we're hoping that our team can really get the word out about this parking change so that people don't get tickets from the city and they can still come and support their favourite local farmers' market."
Market officials say the parking changes could impact foot traffic, particularly tourist visitors, many of whom arrive in motorhomes.
To help mitigate the impact of the new parking system, the market is making some changes of its own.
Starting in May, it will open on Saturdays and Sundays, and the possibility of opening on additional days during the week is being explored.
The market is also offering some giveaways to help customers pay for their parking fees between April and May.
The Varscona Theatre, just across from the market, was one of those businesses that benefited from the discounted parking offered by the market.
Kendra Connor, the theatre's executive director, said the parking has been essential for theatre patrons.
"We've had a $3 discount for six hours of parking for our customers, which is really generous," she said.
"It's allowed our patrons to come see a show, perhaps stay for drinks or dessert afterwards, or go for dinner before a show."
Though the hourly rate will decrease from $3.15 to $2.50 and the daily rate will drop from $18 to $10, Connor said the switch raises concerns about accessibility for some of their visitors.
"Many of them are older, some of them have mobility needs or are disabled," she said. "So their ability to get close, accessible parking is really crucial to them coming and enjoying our shows."
The farmers' market and the Varscona Theatre expressed support for the overall goals of the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, but they aren't convinced that eventually replacing the parking lot with a park is the best solution for the community.
The Varscona plans to communicate the parking changes to patrons through social media, newsletters, to ensure a smooth transition, said Connor.
"Some of our patrons have a difficult time using apps, so we'll be on hand in the lobby to make sure that we can answer any questions and get their parking set up for them," Connor said.
"We just want to make it as clean and easy and simple for folks to get to the theatre."
The city says it will be issuing warning letters first, before ticketing starts, but has not determined specific timelines for the grace period. Paid parking will officially begin on April 12.
With files from Emma Zhao