In Nanaimo, I would say land use planning has been the easiest approach to take for the public, followed by reduced parking availability (within major traffic corridors). I think it is because one is a longer term approach, which has less immediate impact and can be eased into with the public. I know there has been a long struggle to revitalize the downtown and make it appealing for residents and visitor’s to visit and shop. Often Parking availability comes up as an issue. But often the concern is centred around access to convenient parking in front of shops as opposed to walking from nearby parking lots.Parking fees have increased, but only marginally, and parking bylaw staff act more leaniently then the previous contracted firm that managed it for the City.
Due to land use direction laid out in the OCP and Transportation Master Plan,reduced parking requirements are beginning to appear along major corridors (such as Bowen Road), where transit is more available. The response has been mixed but it has generally been well received. In one development, staff were able to secure a vehicle and dedicated parking space toward the Nanaimo car-share co-op, in exchange as part of a density amenity bonus.
