Dear editor:
My head is spinning after attempting to follow the rapid gyrations, twists, turns, backflips and pirouettes on the suddenly urgent issue of tourist parking and amusement.
It seems as if in one or two meetings, our elected representatives along with the non-elected councillor have decreed we are suddenly in such an overwhelming parking pickle that the residents who wanted 176 Wellington preserved for community space — the same residents who pay their salaries — should be ignored, because the people who drop by to lick and litter need to park more conveniently so they can get out of town more quickly after their ice cream and a search for a public washroom (or after creating one).
Yesterday, in order to calm myself, I walked around the Commons. When I emerged in the Fort George parking lot, there were four cars parked. I have never seen it full except for special events. The free community shuttle to the Courthouse was waiting. I noticed washrooms both at the fort and the shuttle stop.
Though I am not paid by the tax-payers to confront these urgent issues, I wondered if the Fort George parking lot could be better utilized to deal with the twin big dilemmas of where tourists could park and pee.
I decided to help the decision makers by pacing the distance between the existing under-utilized parking lot and the proposed multi-million dollar parking garage — 200 steps. I will not submit my normal consulant’s fee as it was a pro bono publico initiative.
After passing 176 Wellington — and wondering which developer it had been promised to — I continued along to Queen Street where I was struck by how lovely it is again now that those hideous outdoor patios have been removed. Our historic streetscape has been restored. The gardens can flourish rather than be covered and trampled.
But wait, not so fast. Patios need to come back because “they’re popular.” They are so important that council will sacrifice parking spaces for them.
In view of this urgent parking dilemma, I find that a bit strange. And popular with whom? I’ve lived in the Old Town for 25 years and know no one who enjoys sitting curbside inhaling vehicle emissions in July.
But then, I am just a tax-paying resident, not someone paid to make these important decisions.
Rick Monette
NOTL
