The following is a letter written to regional Coun. Gary Zalepa. A copy was submitted to The Lake Report for publication.

I am a St. Davids resident and want to bring to your attention the parking issue on Four Mile Creek Road.

Recently and without notice the Region of Niagara installed "no parking" signs on both sides of Creek Road adjacent to the Grist Restaurant.

I, and many St. Davids residents who frequent and support this establishment, are alarmed by this decision.

The carte blanche action by the region is a heavy-handed move that is affecting the success of the Grist.

This restaurant is a vital part of our St. Davids  community as we have few options to gather with fellow residents.

We  appreciate all the hard work and initiative Rob and Danielle Begin have undertaken to bring this establishment to fruition through such difficult times.  

My understanding is the region erected the "no parking" signs for safety reasons. They are concerned about pedestrians crossing the road.

The speed limit is 50 km/h and farther north on Four Mile Creek Road, where the road is narrower, parking IS allowed. Even farther north, past York Road, where the speed limit is 80 km/h, parking IS allowed.

There are sections adjacent to the Grist where there are no houses or driveways. These areas would not affect sight lines for drivers exiting residences or side roads. 

The Grist has a parking lot, so street parking is only utilized occasionally. We, as a community, are asking you to review this action by the region and work with us to help support such an integral part of St. Davids. 

Leslie Mann
St. Davids