Aurora to get strict in enforcing parking restrictions at area parks

January 14, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

Aurora residents could soon be facing a crackdown on parking at local recreation areas.

Beginning in March, Aurora’s bylaw department will be stricter in enforcing parking restrictions in various locales around Town, with a particular emphasis on parks.

According to a report before Councillors this week from Techa van Leeuwen, Aurora’s Director of Building and Bylaw Services, further signs could be posted outlining these restrictions, along with increased enforcement activities by late winter.

In her report, Ms. van Leeuwen states parking in Aurora parks is only permitted in designated areas, with overnight parking prohibited without a permit.

“Occasionally permissions have been granted to park overnight at certain parks to accommodate sports groups travelling for tournaments,” she says. “These are special circumstances for one or two nights and in these situations, staff ensure overnight parking will not interfere with other events or activities.”

A particularly problematic area as far as parking is concerned is Town Park, the Downtown Aurora hub bordered by Wells Street, Larmont Street, Moseley Street, and Metcalfe Street, which is surrounded by parking spots. These parking spots, she says, are intended for park users, but that is not always the case in practice.

“Until recently, Town Park parking areas did not have signage indicating restrictions negating any enforcement efforts,” she says. “In an effort to ensure parking at Town Park is being properly allocated to users of the park, signs were erected. This created some concerns from surrounding residents who have been parking vehicles at the Park because they have insufficient space to accommodate the numbers of vehicles they own.

“Town Park parking area has also been used to store trailers [and is] also being used by commuters during the day. These activities are contrary to the bylaw and create challenges with snow removal and parking shortages for park users.”