Not enough spots, say residents: Town to study townhouse parking problem

The Town of Halton Hills will undertake a study to possibly set new standards for parking spaces in townhouse subdivisions. Council approved the planning report announcing the study at a recent meeting. Council had requested staff start the study about a year ago-- January 2005-- after receiving numerous complaints from townhouse residents who have received parking tickets for parking illegally in their neighourhood. They complained to councillors there are not enough parking spaces allocated for the number of town homes and the number of people living there with vehicles. Wards 3 and 4 Regional Councillor Jane Fogal, who initiated the council resolution for a study in January 2005, said facetiously she's glad that staff is finally bringing a report forward saying they are going to do a study that was requested months ago. Preliminary stages of the study will be presented to council early in 2006, followed by a public meeting.

"Hundreds of townhouse units are being approved as we wait for this to happen," she said. "I'm glad to see it is at least coming back in January (2006)." Acton Councillor Mike O'Leary wondered whether the study will look at parking on paved boulevards and paved front yards. "We will look at that as part of the study," said Manager of Planning Policy John Linhardt. "I know some municipalities have fairly specific regulations because they are concerned about trying to balance parking demands with urban design considerations." "The real concern is over the winter months," O'Leary added, when snow plows are attempting to clear the roads. "So I ask you to be a little creative for allowing winter parking for townhouses and row houses."