JasonParis / CC
Paid Parking in Norfolk’s lakefront communities is expected to return this summer following a Council in Committee meeting this week.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Council heard three deputations from community members on the topic; Paul Morris of the Port Dover Board of Trade, and local business owners Andrew Schneider and Jenny Ball. All three spoke to how paid parking has negatively affected business. Morris of the Board of Trade quoted parking statistics gathered from 2022 versus 2023.
Andrew Schneider of the Erie Beach Hotel and The Arbor addressed his customer’s frustration.
Last, Jenny Ball of the Dover Cheese Shop compared this to other challenges her store has faced.
Council voted in favour of continuing the paid parking program, but revised how that would look in Port Dover. Paid parking will continue in Port Dover’s parking lots(Clinton St, Harbour St and Elmer Lewis) from 10 ’til 6 at $4 per hour. All other parking will return to the original bylaw of 2 hour free parking with enforcement.
Council also voted in favour of the seasonal paid parking program continuing in Turkey Point, with 2 spots being assigned as 15 minute pickup zones. Long Point’s seasonal program will also continue with the rate of $4 per hour.
The resident pass will also see changes. Residents will now be able to register their vehicles with the County for a $35 per vehicle fee. This will allow residents to park in paid parking zones, with a 4 hour limit in Port Dover, Turkey Point and Long Point.
The seasonal paid parking pilot raised just over $150,000 in the last two years. Council intends a portion of money collected from this program to be used to enhance the communities it came from.
A final vote on the seasonal paid parking program will happen at a future council meeting.
Written by Jeremy Hall