Some downtown parking relief is coming.
During Monday’s council meeting, Newmarket councillors voted in favour with no discussion of two resolutions that will see more parking added to the downtown area. The first motion will see 14 spaces added to a section of D’Arcy Street, while the second will see three spaces added on Main Street.
In 2019, the town and the local Business Improvement Area (BIA) created a joint task force to address downtown parking concerns. The revitalization of Main Street, including the addition of a variety of restaurants and pubs, and the popularity of the town's events, such as free summer concerts that attracted thousands to Riverwalk Commons, have exacerbated the longtime downtown parking dilemma.
Councillors voted in favour of creating up to 14 new on-street parking spaces on the north side of D’Arcy Street, between Church Street and Water Street.
Currently, there is no parking allowed on the south side. Parking is allowed on the north side, but only on Sundays.
According to the staff report, after a consultation with residents, staff recommended that the new parking on the north side conform to the restriction that already exists on other streets in the downtown core, which is that a maximum of two hours of parking be permitted, seven days per week.
Three new spaces will also be added along Main, north of Millard Avenue. Two new spaces will be added in front of 57 Main, while one new space will be added in front of 48 Main.
Staff also investigated adding a space at 111 Main, however determined it would be too close to an existing driveway that would create sight-line issues.
This move is expected to cost the town $500 for new signage and pavement markings, which would also be paid from the regulatory signs – engineering line in the operating budget.
— With files from Debora Kelly
