ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — St. John’s city council unanimously approved draft changes to the city’s parking requirements on Monday — a move that could mean future new developments would require bicycle parking spaces.
New developments which are apartment buildings, office or retail space would have to include parking for bicycles, according to the draft changes to the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations. An apartment building, for example, would require one bicycle parking space for every two residential units.
The changes will be advertised, and the city will seek public input on them at the same time that it seeks public input on the overall municipal plan and development regulations, whenever they are ready to go out for public comment.
Mandatory bicycle parking was one change among many. Most of the changes would see developments required to provide vehicle parking spaces within a minimum to maximum range in varying amounts depending on the development and its location.
For example, any developments in the city’s intensification areas would be required to meet but not exceed certain minimum parking requirements because those areas are already well served by public transit, according to city staff.
In the decision note to council, city planners wrote: “For some uses, current parking standards are excessive and the required parking lots are underused, or developers keep requesting parking relief for applications such as personal care homes.”
City staff evaluated parking standards in eight other Canadian municipalities for comparison (Halifax, Regina, Richmond, Edmonton, Hamilton, London, Toronto and Ottawa) when developing the suggested changes.
“I think this assists in building stronger neighbourhoods and reduces the cost of development as less parking would be required,” said Coun. Ian Froude.
City staff will also refer the proposed changes to the Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel for input.
In a virtual scrum with reporters after the meeting, Mayor Danny Breen said he expects councillors will have more to say on parking regulation changes when it comes time to make a final decision. Right now, he said, there’s agreement that something should be done with parking in the city.
As for himself, Breen said he’s in favour of the proposed changes as they are right now.
“Sometimes we’re dealing with parking issues, and they become a complex issue in a development when they really shouldn’t be, so I look forward to seeing the final recommendations on it,” he said.
Regarding parking for bicycles, Breen said there’s an increasing number of bicycle users, and the city is promoting a bicycle network plan. He said considering the city is promoting such active transportation, there should be amenities to address an increased demand.
Twitter: @juanitamercer_
