The “No Parking” signs on the first block of River Street West will remain in place to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on that street, city hall says.
During the April 26 regular city council meeting, city administration responded to a question from a March meeting about whether those signs can be removed and when that could happen.
The road on the 0 block of River Street West is roughly 7.5 metres wide, so the parking restrictions are in place to allow vehicles to travel safely in both directions, a council report said. If parking were allowed on either the north or side of the street, only one traffic direction could be accommodated due to the narrow road width.
“Administration does not recommend removal of the no parking signs,” the report added.
Coun. Crystal Froese was frustrated to hear this news, considering she had submitted the inquiry at the March meeting.
“I get inquiries often because people park there all the time, and people wonder when signs will be removed. Apparently, the street was built too narrow, and those (side shoulders) are meant for people to pull over,” she said. “It’s a really disappointing design for a street downtown.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 10.
