Councillors balk at further review of Kawartha Lakes parking needs

Kawartha Lakes needs more parking, not another study.

That was the message sent to staff by councillors following a report by municipal law enforcement and licensing manager Aaron Sloan at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting.

The recommendation to update the Downtown Parking Strategy follows a motion adopted by council in October in response to a deputation made by Lindsay Downtown Business Improvement Association president Wesley Found.

Staff had been directed to review and report back in early 2024 with an update on the strategy. Sloan identified a need to refresh and update the current plan to recognize current growth in and surrounding downtowns.

As well, there is a need to update the action plan to implement recommendations to 2041 and inform asset management plans.

However, Deputy Mayor and Ward 7 Coun. Charlie McDonald suggested action, not more review, is desperately needed.

He pointed out a parking study conducted in 2018 by the IBI Group that focused on the downtown areas of Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls and Lindsay, led to council approving a downtown parking strategy in June 2021.

McDonald noted, at that time, it was emphasized that action would need to take place should parking capacity reach 80 per cent. That level is now 90 per cent, said McDonald.

“We’re in struggle mode already … and we didn’t do anything with the last study,” said McDonald. “We don’t need to spend more money. We don’t have time to waste.”

Ward 5 Coun. Eric Smeaton agreed.

“We’re already got our money’s worth. We don’t need another study. There’s a lot in this report that could be started tomorrow,” said Smeaton.

McDonald added Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon “could also be in trouble” as the two communities are sitting at just under 80 per cent capacity.

Ward 2 Coun. Pat Warren punctuated McDonald’s comment.

She called Bobcaygeon “a prime destination” given the thousands of visitors each summer and community growth experienced in the last five years.

“Parking has always been an issue,” said Warren, pointing out the redevelopment of Canal Street and three proposed residential developments “are likely to make matters worse.”

There’s also the many unknowns associated with housing developments proposed for Lindsay over the next decade, said Ward 8 Coun. Tracy Richardson.

The municipality does not have full details as to these plans. Some may include commercial development which could actually alleviate downtown parking pressures.

“If they are just residential, then what’s the impact? We don’t know,” said Richardson.

Council received the report and forwarded it on to the April 30 regular meeting for further consideration.