Parking and road safety under review in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Fort St. John is working to learn more about and address any parking challenges residents experience when traveling and parking.

During the January 6th Committee of the Whole, the council was presented with the results of a public survey conducted between July 16th and August 19th, 2024, focused on mobility issues and parking in residential and downtown areas. 

Approximately 90 per cent, or 262 respondents, identified as residents of Fort St. John, and 20 per cent, or 58 respondents, identified as having mobility issues. 

In the survey, 58 per cent of respondents noted they had issues finding parking downtown, with 20 per cent indicating it can take 10 or more minutes to find parking, and 47 per cent noting a search time of five to 10 minutes. 

Of the 42 per cent of respondents who said they had no issues finding parking downtown, 94 per cent found a parking spot within five minutes. 

When asked when respondents typically visit downtown, 212 stated they visit downtown on weekdays, and 151 visit either solely on the weekends, or both weekdays and weekends. Only 11 indicated that they never visit downtown, and 21 stated that they do so sporadically. 

The City also sought insight into off-street parking usage, and residents’ desires for expansion. When asked if they would visit downtown more often if there was more public parking, 57 per cent said they would. 

Only 16.5 per cent said they would be willing to pay a fee for parking in a public parking lot, with the remaining 83.5 per cent stating they wouldn’t be. Responses also indicated a lack of desire for electric vehicle charging downtown, with 99 per cent of residents indicating that they do not require charging downtown. 

Residents also expressed concerns about road and pedestrian safety with cars parking on the street, especially in residential areas. These included specific comments about vehicles blocking views at intersections, on and across sidewalks and narrowness when parking on both sides of the street. 

When focusing on winter parking and safety, respondents indicated that street parking prevented proper snow clearing, and asked for increased snow clearing of icy sidewalks. 

Following the feedback and presentation, the City and the Council will consider parking desires and needs in relation to standing policies, accessible parking, and any necessary zoning updates.