CENTRE WELLINGTON – A staff report to be presented at Centre Wellington’s council meeting on Tuesday includes the 2023 parking strategy report, which recommends for no street closures in Elora and the continued use of parking enforcement officers and a shuttle bus in the Township.
According to the report prepared by CAO Dan Wilson, township staff are recommending that there be no planned street closures for 2023 in Elora, given the anticipated closure of East Mill Street for construction.
In the report Wilson says “this will assist with traffic flow over the summer, and allow for more parking spaces.” He says the Elora BIA was also consulted with respect to road closures, and understand the need to avoid closures in 2023.
Meanwhile in Downtown Fergus there is significant support through the Fergus BIA to continue to close Provost Lane from St. Andrew Street West to just beyond the back of the buildings on St Andrew Street West, from approximately May 15th to October 31st (every day).
Wilson says there is no parking spaces affected by this closure and Township staff support this direction.
Grand at 101 File Photo
Provost Lane in Fergus
Township staff are also recommending extending the parking enforcement pilot program for 2023.
In 2021, the Township initiated it’s first parking enforcement pilot program. Prior to 2021, all parking enforcement in Centre Wellington was conducted by the OPP. The parking enforcement pilot continued in 2022.
Alpha Technology Systems Inc. was hired in 2021 and 2022 to provide parking enforcement services under a pilot program which saw three hour and 15 minute parking spots in both Downtown Fergus and Elora.
Wilson says in the report “the pilot resulted in significant enforcement activity, encouraging improved turnover of parking spaces and reducing traffic congestion.”
In 2022, the township related parking enforcement revenue received totaled $121,813.
Given County costs associated with the pilot, the Township received $87,700 in revenue. The Township expects they will see see similar parking enforcement this year as they did in 2022, with a similar payback to the Township.
Another service being recommended for the 2023 season is the continuation of the shuttle pilot program introduced by the Township in 2022.
“A shuttle will allow visitors to park in areas outside of the downtown cores and be transported to specific areas of the Township.” Wilson says in the report.
Stops are planned at:
1. OLG Facility (Elements)
2. Downtown Elora (1 MacDonald Square) – new location
3. Bissell Park, Elora
4. Wellington County Museum, Aboyne
5. Parking Lot, 739 St Andrew St W, Fergus. – new stop
6. Downtown Fergus (Fergus Marketplace)
7. Parking Lot, 739 St Andrew St W, Fergus. – new stop
8. O’Brien Park, Elora
In the report Wilson notes the shuttle route has been adjusted in 2023 to address two shuttle stops at 739 St Andrew St W, Fergus. (parking lot at the corner of St. Andrew St W and Beatty Line). “This is a private parking lot and the property owner has agreed to allow the Township use of it for shuttle services (including parking).” Wilson said in the report.
Also the downtown Elora stop location has moved to 1 MacDonald Square. Wilson says “this moves the stop away from the East Mill Street construction area, and encourages visitors to explore “uptown Elora”.
The report will be presented and considered at Tuesdays council meeting.
Click here for the full report.
