Council to implement two-hour signed parking in downtown core

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St John has directed staff to implement two-hour signed parking in the downtown core from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Representatives of the Planning and Engineering Department presented the options for parking in the city’s downtown core during the Committee of the Whole meeting on July 8th.

Businesses in downtown Fort St. John have limited parking options for staff and patrons, with the most common complaint being the shortage of parking near businesses. 

“We want people to be invited and feel welcome in our downtown community,” said Mayor Lilia Hansen. We also want to make sure the businesses can get those people through their doors.”

A survey conducted by city staff found that over 80 per cent of businesses say customers spend less than two hours at their businesses between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Councillor Sarah MacDougall noted the recommendation was an honour system. 

Council felt the time range was too short, with councillor Trevor Bolin saying they are trying to entice more retail and restaurants, suggesting the limit be extended until 8 p.m.  

“We took those out so people could park, get out, walk around, and enjoy the downtown. Let’s focus on that and stay away from the heavy-handed approach, which is why we got rid of the meters in the first place,” said Bolin.

The survey also showed 36 per cent of respondents say their customers complain about parking. The most common customer complaint was not enough parking close to the business. 

The bylaw department discussed different options, including reinstalling parking meters, signs with time limits, or digital kiosks. Staff said the department is against meters because they feel unsafe having to go out and collect the money. Staff eventually found signage to be the best option.

During 100th Street discussions, the city decided to remove the parking meters in 2022. 

Klasson says we are evolving as a community, with walking to destinations like the grocery store becoming more common, noting how much the city has spent on expanding sidewalks. 

“Walking is sort of a new thing,” said Klasson. 

Staff said they will have future stages as part of a larger parking review, which will include a public survey with questions related to downtown and residential parking and collect data from businesses outside the downtown area.