As a business and building owner in downtown St. Albert for over 10 years, I’ve never found parking to be an issue until now.
St. Albert wants to attract more business to the downtown core, but why would anyone want to open a new business downtown when parking is at an all time low? People who work and do business downtown are often forced to park far away or illegally. Bylaw officers cannot ticket all cars that park in two-hour zones and often cars are there all day, taking up space for people who need short-term parking.
St. Albert made the city hall building too small many years ago and didn’t take into consideration the expanding population or a need to provide parking for the employees. As much as I love living and working in St. Albert, the parking issue is something that will deter people from shopping downtown. Anyone who has been to the farmers’ market can see the need for more parking.
I have also sent two requests to the City of St. Albert, once with a petition of over 100 signatures asking for a handicapped-parking stall in front of my business, which is a denture clinic. Many of my patients are older and require a walker, wheelchair or other assistance to enter the building. These requests were refused.
In conclusion, without adequate parking why would new businesses want to locate downtown? When there is a venue or event happening downtown, such as the farmers’ market or International Children’s Festival, parking is nonexistent. The lack of policing and respect of private parking, including time limits, is something that will need to be addressed in the near future.
Gary Shigeta, St. Albert
