Businesses speak to need for 15-minute quick errand parking spots

Local businesses seek 15-minute quick errand parking spaces. This photo taken at 6:30 p.m.

By Sharon Harrison
Complaints about parking problems in Picton continue as two downtown businesses seek establishment of three 15-minute ‘quick errand’ spots.

“The parking turnover situation needs a fix on Picton Main Street,” said pharmacist Karl Sitarski, owner of the County Drugstore, adding how “the lack of parking turnover has become a significant issue, adversely affecting local businesses and impeding residents’ ability to run quick errands”.

Speaking to the Traffic Advisory Committee Wednesday evening, Sitarski shared concerns about a lack of available parking spaces, as well as addressing the accessibility aspect and impact on individuals using his business, many of whom are elderly.

“Essentially, locals are noticing that it is becoming more and more inconvenient to do business on Main Street, and I am seeing that day-in and day-out. Parking is a big issue and it comes up in conversation all the time with my patients, and it is something I really feel needs to be addressed.“

He said the current parking congestion has led to a loss of business for many businesses located on Main Street as it has become increasingly inconvenient for residents to do business there. He noted too, that there are no parking spots that belong to his property, either behind it or elsewhere.

“This is a very common case around many businesses on Picton Main Street who also don’t have dedicated spots, so this is an issue for many businesses, but for mine particularly, because we don’t have any dedicated spots where I can tell customers to park.”

“Local customers struggle to find available parking spaces, which discourages them from visiting our establishments and as a result, local resident foot traffic has declined, impacting our revenue and livelihoods,” he said.

He stated people are parking their vehicles in spaces downtown for prolonged periods of time, with little turnover.

He noted that from the dispensary window, he and his staff have observed on “many, many, many occasions, where cars are parked for the entire day on Main Street, and I don’t see that as the purpose of Main Street parking”.

He suggested those who plan to park all day in downtown Picton should do so in the areas of King, Mary, Queen and Elizabeth streets which are better suited to all day parking.

Sitarski emphasized how the pharmacy serves a significant number of elderly patients who require parking close to the pharmacy, and added not all of these individuals qualify for an accessible parking permit.

“They are forced to drive around in search of suitable parking in closer proximity to the pharmacy, and their well-being and access to essential medications are directly impacted by the current parking challenge.”

Long-term patients, some who can’t walk far, he said, have had to leave the pharmacy to take their business elsewhere because they can’t find parking.

Located next door to the County Drugstore is Scotiabank where branch manager Kim Laird spoke briefly, echoing Sitarski’s comments as she said the bank too is facing the same problems with a lack of available parking spaces in front of their business for patrons to use, especially seniors.

“I am in total agreement that it really is becoming an issue, especially for our older clients as they have mobility issues, canes, walkers and such, and when they can’t find parking close by, it’s very difficult for them,” said Laird. “We are losing business, and it’s not just our elderly clients either, as we have people that need to run into the bank machine and grab cash who need five minutes, and it makes it really difficult.”

She said the main complaint from her clients is parking, where she noted that the spaces outside the bank are often full at 7.30 a.m. or 8 a.m. when she arrives for work, and often stay that way for most of the day, or very large chunks of time.

“Fifteen minute parking would be perfect, however, I’m not sure that’s going to change anything,” said Laird, who asked if it would be possible to have some designated spots for businesses.

Sitarski also touched on the recently extended outdoor patio program.

“The recent issuance of outdoor patio licences to restaurants along Main Street has further reduced available parking spaces in the summer months, and while outdoor dining is a positive addition to our community, we must strike a balance to ensure that parking remains available and accessible for all.”

His proposal to help ease the problem is for the County to implement three 15-minute parking spots in front of both businesses (219 and 211 Main St).

Councillor Phil Prinzen asked Sitarski if he thought it would be precedent-setting for other businesses (those that needed a quick in and out) if 15-minute parking spaces were implemented and questioned how it could be enforced.

Sitarski said businesses that rely on quick in’s and out’s would benefit from a 15-minute parking space, because it would promote turnover. Speaking to how it could be enforceable, he suggested it could be achieved with existing staff.

“I think it wouldn’t be very difficult to enforce as there are parking attendants that I’ve seen all day that walk up and down Main Street, so I think it is very easily enforceable,” Sitarski said. “Implementing 15-minute parking spots would not only benefit our businesses, but also enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors,” he said.

His ask extended to requesting a staff report to look into implementing more 15 minute parking spots along Picton Main Street.

“I am hopeful that together we can help promote Picton Main Street as a more convenient place to do business. Please help us out,” he added, “because we are losing business.”

Councillor Prinzen proposed to refer the matter to staff to explore the possibility of three 15-minute spots in front of 219 and 211 Picton Main St.