Town launches new parking initiative

In response to concerns expressed by residents living on streets near beach areas, the Town of Wasaga Beach has launched a new parking initiative to encourage people to park in municipal lots.

Over the last few years, Municipal Law Enforcement observed an increase in cars parking on residential side streets close to beach areas, creating potential hazards.

After reviewing options staff recommended, council approved the implementation of paid on-street parking in these areas to replace the free parking.  The thought is that this will better manage parking demand on east and west end streets as there will be a significant cost to motorists wishing to park in these areas.

To address parking concerns on the following streets, specifically near Wasaga Beach Provincial Park access points, the town has implemented on-street paid parking on:

• Cedarlane Drive
• Earl Street
• Mary Street
• 37^th Street North to 40^th Street North.
• 68^th Street North.

The town prioritized these locations due to past parking congestion with individuals parking on both sides of the street, creating hazards and causing a number of residents to complain.

On-street parking rates are $2 for every 30 minutes, making the municipal parking lots a far more cost effective option.

For example, parking on street for an average daytrip of eight to 10 hours would cost approximately $44, versus $10 to $20 in municipal lots.

Ultimately, the town hopes the project encourages motorists to use the more affordable options found in town and provincial park lots.

As part of the project, the town is utilizing Honk Mobile, a service that uses a phone app to provide customers with contactless payment parking options. Through signage and smart phone capabilities, customers can scan a QR code with their phone to pay for parking.

Residents with municipal parking passes can utilize them to park in the designated on-street parking areas.

The town is trying this system to address the concerns that were received. If you have feedback, please direct it to the undersigned.

For more information, contact Rachael Ivak, municipal law enforcement coordinator. Her contact information is to the right of this page (at the bottom on your mobile device).