Reaction mixed to paid parking plan for Halifax Common

Any driver who’s ever found a parking spot near the Halifax Common knows it can feel like you’ve struck gold.

But a proposal coming to Halifax Regional Council today may have those drivers shelling out for the same parking spot in future.

The city’s transportation committee is proposing pay and display parking on streets that border the Common, and permit parking for nearby residential neighbourhoods.

The idea is getting a mixed reaction from residents, who aren’t keen on the idea of paying for street parking, but who want a guaranteed spot on the street.

“It is one of those things, cities only get bigger and there’s more people buying cars, so inevitably you have to think of something to keep it, or create some sort of space for the cars,” said one man.

“It’s a double-edged sword, becuase I appreciate students who bring income into the city,” said another local resident. “I’m a landlord, so I get it on that end, but I also like to park in front of my house if I need to come there for two seconds.”

Other Common users say the paid parking may deter people from using the green space.

“I don’t think I would come here if it was paid parking,” she said. “Especially if I knew there were events happening, you just wouldn’t find the parking.”

“Just because it’s common ground, I think it should stay as free parking,” said another woman, pointing out the number of youth sports teams that play on the Common.  

Council defeated a permit-only plan in January.