CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington Council passed the 2023 parking strategy which includes no street closures in Downtown Elora given the anticipated closure of East Mill Street for construction, the continued use of parking enforcement officers and a shuttle bus.
However some local residents expressed their concerns at Tuesday’s council meeting regarding the parking strategy, including, patios implemented during COVID, liquor control for restaurants, accessibility to sidewalks surrounding patios.
Wayne Brightman a business owner in Elora says the extended patios in the downtown has had an impact on customers and residents.
Elora resident Staci Barron voiced her displeasure with the serving capacities of the businesses and says she is working with the OPP and Alcohol and gaming commission to team up to provide township by law staff with reports outlining visits to the licensed establishments for non compliance.
Maclean Hann the Elora BIA Chair spoke at the council meeting and said when it comes to the compliance of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission regulations its in all of their best interests to follow the rules, he said not doing so would put the businesses license at risk.
Mary Anne Neville who is also a resident of Elora spoke at the meeting and said the patios setup on the sidewalk are making it dangerous for those walking in Downtown.
Staff have proceeded to receive and review applications for patios and sidewalk displays for this year as per the bylaw.
CAO Dan Wilson said at the meeting that while some of the patios take up a few parking spaces, the program recognizes the overall community and tourism benefits of having patios, cafes, and sidewalk displays as an option every summer.
Meanwhile, as part of the 2023 parking strategy, the parking enforcement pilot program has been extended 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.
Another service approved for the 2023 season is the continuation of the shuttle pilot program introduced by the Township in 2022.
The shuttle will allow visitors to park in areas outside of the downtown cores and be transported to specific areas of the Township.
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
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