Over the past 12 months, we have received lots of parking related feedback from our members, and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts.

While there have been many different parking matters raised, the overall theme of the discussions seem to relate to either signage, confusion, or disparity. We have shared your feedback and anecdotes with the City Staff and acknowledge their concern and commitment to investigate and further advise.

Recently, a downtown business owner approached City Council with a request to approve free parking in the downtown area (from November 20th to December 24th). Citing negative revenue implications, City Council declined this request at the November 23, 2009 Council Meeting. This issue arose between the October 27 and November 24 Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area (OSDIA) Board meeting, and as such the OSDIA through its Board of Management did not have an opportunity to address the issue prior to the matter going before council.

The OSDIA supports a vibrant and sustainable downtown community and while we are sensitive to the issues raised by the recent free holiday season parking request, we are also cognizant of the revenue implication posed by the City of Owen Sound. While ideally the concept of free parking is quite desirable, the implications of decreased revenue on essential capital projects such as downtown parking lot repairs/improvements, seems equally challenging. It is with the utmost respect that we received the information being presented by both sides of this debate and while we have accepted the City’s findings, we would also like to propose an alternative course.  At the November 25, 2009 OSDIA Board of Management Meeting, a motion was unanimously passed asking City Council to consider a revised holiday season parking plan to allow for two hour free street parking and unlimited free lot parking in the downtown area (subject to all other regular terms & conditions) from December 8, 2009 to December 25, 2009. This motion has been forwarded to City Council for their consideration at the next council meeting.

We believe that we have developed a solid working relationship both with our members and with the City of Owen Sound and remain open to ongoing dialogue about potential parking issues affecting the Downtown Improvement Area. The OSDIA strongly supports effective business concepts and strategies aimed at maximizing opportunities for long term success and prosperity in our Downtown.

We will keep you informed through these web pages of developments, and as with all downtown related topics, your feedback is welcomed at feedback@downtownowensound.ca