The amendment would result in the removal of street parking on the north side of McVicar Street from Stevens Street to Northshore Road as well as a section of the south side to accommodate a new trolley stop. 

Hub Staff

Several considerations came into play in a recent discussion between Town Staff and Saugeen Shores Council with regard to parking along McVicar Street near North Shore Park.

It was recommended that Council consider an amendment to the parking by-law at the next Council meeting that would result in the removal of street parking on the north side of McVicar Street from Stevens Street to Northshore Road as well as a section of the south side to accommodate a new trolley stop. “The south side has parallel parking available in short sections, and a parking lot at the community mail box. The north side only provides on street parking,” read the staff report.

Amanda Froese, Director of Public Works and Engineering said due to the grade of nearby Market Street, boaters with large boats and trailers are often using the street to access Concession 10. “It’s a narrow right of way, narrow asphalt,” said Froese. As well, an increased number of pedestrians and cyclists along North Shore Road, users accessing the community mail boxes and the soon to be needed parking for splash pad users were additional factors. “We looked at how we can accommodate the traffic flow,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Diane Huber hoped that in addition to the short term parking spaces to accommodate community mail boxes, there would also be dedicated accessible parking taken into consideration.

Jayne Jagelewski, Director of Community Services replied. “As part of our initial planning it was designated that there would be a spot that would be permittable for short term parking for the use of the mail box and additional parking for accessibility,” she said.

Councillor Dave Myette reminded staff and Council that one of the reasons there was opposition to constructing a splash pad at North Shore Park was because of parking and suspected that some area residents may not approve of proposed restrictions.

Councillor Mike Myatt noted the number of events that happen at the Lions Club picnic shelter.

"There is still parking capacity further south along Harbour Street that is not using full capacity," Jagelewski said and noted that the decision to eliminate parking on the north side was a collaborative one involving “all of the directors and more specifically in consultation with our fire services who had concerns when that pavilion was used and that parking was on both sides it reduced sight lines." 

Myatt was curious if any discussion had taken place with regard to putting a dedicated bike lane on the north side of McVicar Street, to which Jagelewski said there are long term goals to accommodate cycling in the area and reminded Council of the additional parking further south.

CAO David Smith told Council that in the report it was noted that there would be special event parking requests considered when events are hosted at the pavilion.