parking no longer a steal in steel city

Citywide parking fee hikes start July 1
TheSpec.com
Emma Reilly

Parking in Hamilton just got more expensive.

City council voted today to double parking meter rates to $1 per hour across the city and install paid parking on Locke Street, and in Stoney Creek (King Street), Ancaster (Wilson Street) and Waterdown (Dundas Street).

The move, which will be implemented July 1, is expected to bring in an extra $1.45 million each year.

The decision didn’t come without a fight. Councillor Brian McHattie moved to delay installing parking machines on Locke Street until a city-owned parking lot is up and running in the area. That motion lost on a tie vote after council learned it could take up to two years to open the new lot — a decision McHattie called “very, very disappointing.”

“Any time you work hard as the ward councillor to find a compromise solution and your colleagues don’t support you, you feel betrayed,” he said.

The city is still moving forward with plans for at least one parking lot off Locke.

Council also voted against a motion from Councillor Margaret McCarthy, who argued that paid parking shouldn't be implemented in Waterdown until its development freeze is lifted.

Yesterday's decision ended a long-running debate about Hamilton's parking rates. In December 2008, council rejected a similar increase, arguing it wouldn't be fair to merchants to risk driving customers away during a recession.

This year, many council members instead said paid street parking will be positive for businesses as it will encourage more turnover of parking spaces. They also argued it will encourage more people to walk or take public transit.