Calgary council to consider reversal of parking permit changes

Following a flood of concerns and a petition against it, the majority of Calgary councillors have signed on to a motion to temporarily reverse a decision to introduce residential parking fees later this summer.

Following a flood of concerns and a petition against it, the majority of Calgary councillors have signed on to a motion to temporarily reverse a decision to introduce residential parking fees later this summer.

In 2022, council approved a change to the city's Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program set to come into effect on Aug. 1. The change calls for residents of a "ground-oriented dwelling" to pay for on-street parking permits at a cost of up to $250 yearly for a home with three vehicles.

The new RPP pay structure is set to cost $50 per year for the first vehicle, $75 annually for the second permit and $125 yearly for the third at a single address. Visitors passes for the same household would also cost $75 per year.

An urgent notice of motion, co-sponsored by 10 councillors, calls for administration to remove parking fees for the first vehicle permit and reconsider the entire fee structure during budget deliberations next year.

The intention is to bring forward the motion at the June 20 council meeting due to the "concerns I've heard from resident to pay for parking in front of their own homes," said Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot.

Councillors Terry Wong, Sonya Sharp, Jennifer Wyness, Dan McLean, Peter Demong, Sean Chu, Richard Pootmans, Raj Dhaliwal and Evan Spencer have all co-signed the motion alongside Chabot.

"Permit holders have provided substantial feedback to indicate the implementation of the approved fee schedule is burdensome given the amount and time frame" reads part of the motion.