At an in-camera meeting on Monday, March 6, Courtenay City Council voted to make public its decision directing to staff to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment restricting pay parking in Public Use and Assembly Three (PA-3) and Four (PA-4) zones. The new Comox Valley hospital falls within the PA-4 zone.

Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula says the Council vote came after considerable discussion and review of legal advice on the implications of restricting pay parking. “We know the pay parking debate has been a big issue in this community,” noted Jangula. “We believe this decision reflects the best interests of our citizens as well as our municipality.”

Pay parking can result in costs being inadvertently transferred to local government, with parking spilling over into nearby neighbourhood streets and businesses, and greatly increasing the need for bylaw enforcement.

“The City has already had to increase parking enforcement in the area,” advised Jangula. “At times during hospital construction, our parking and bylaw enforcement staff were patrolling the area up to seven or eight times a day.”

City staff will be presenting the bylaw amendment to restrict paid parking at the March 20, 2017 regular Council meeting. A public hearing will be held at a later date.  

“Island Health and the hospital project staff have been great community partners with this project, and we anxiously await the opening of this incredible facility,” said Jangula. “We look forward to continued dialogue with the hospital team and our citizens on the parking issue.”

The PA-3 zone covers school properties, including the North Island College Courtenay campus. According to the Local Government Act, the current paid parking at North Island College would be considered a non-conforming established use and could therefore continue.