Parking Issues in Downtown Bowmanville

Edgar Lucas from the Bowmanville Business Improvement Area (BIA) addressed the General Government Committee on February 18, 2020, regarding parking issues in downtown Bowmanville. He reported that there are 81 building owners and over 150 merchants in the area, all requiring parking spaces. Lucas stated that there is a significant parking shortage, noting that only 40 parking spots have been added in the last 32 years. He emphasized that recent changes, including the addition of bump outs, crosswalks, and summer patios, have resulted in a net loss of parking spots. Lucas proposed several measures, including the removal of the two-hour free parking in municipal lots, discontinuing the practice of bagging parking meters during the Christmas season, and increasing parking meter fees. The committee resolved to refer these concerns to the Chief Administrative Officer's office for further investigation, including the potential for a parking garage in downtown Bowmanville.