By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
The Town of Essex is looking to accommodate overnight parking at the Essex Centre Sports Complex and the Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre through a permit process.
At the October 20 regular meeting, Essex Council directed Administration to implement a process for overnight parking at the two arenas, which includes a permit process, the addition of signage to the parking lots, and the addition of the regulations as part of the future revised Parking By-Law.
Back in August, Council supported Mayor Sherry Bondy’s motion to direct Administration to investigate options and locations for overnight vehicle parking to accommodate cycle tourism, for example when cyclists come to the municipality/region and need to park for multiple days.
This process gives the Town the ability to gather contact information of those parking, so if there is an issue, like if there was an event and their vehicle was in the way, they can be contacted, Director of Community Services, Jake Morassut, told Essex Council.
Overnight parking at the arenas is already permitted, but a proper process was needed to be put in place. Typically, those parking at the arena are traveling with hockey teams when they go out of town.
Typically, vehicles are not seen at the arena for overnight parking for more than two-days.
When an individual applies for a permit, it would go to the By-Law and Facilities team, so staff can screen the information and ensure there are no issues.
In answering Councillor Joe Garon’s question about designated areas, Morassut noted that it would almost advertise vehicles that are parked overnight and would draw attention to that. Staff are suggesting those who do seek a permit to park at an arena overnight, park close to the building where there are security cameras.
Morassut foresees permits being for two-three days, but longer duration requests can be considered and evaluated.
Bondy hopes some marketing can take place this spring to urge visitors to “park and cycle all around Essex.”
This does have to be collaborated with the future Parking By-Law. Once that is in place, signage can be added.
This program should be ready for next spring.