by Denise Brown
Is trouble brewing in Montgomery? Are there emerging parking issues?
When I moved to Calgary 25 years ago, it was a very low-density city. Residents were accustomed to the single-family dwelling with a yard, on a full-sized city lot, and at least two street parking spots in front. Most households had a single car. Montgomery was no exception.
Now, our parking culture must adapt. We used to have room on the street for our car, a friend’s car, and even an extra car of our own, without impinging on our neighbours’ parking needs.
But a spatial revolution is happening on our streets. The arithmetic is simple. There is now only one car-length in front of a new home; at best. We need to be conscious of growing pressures on street parking. Many neighbours with double garages devote the space to storage, not parking vehicles, thus putting unnecessary pressure on on-street parking. Recent by-law changes mean that new medium-density dwellings will increase on-street parking demands.
This begs the question: “Where are my visitors and yours supposed to park if all public parking availability is usurped by residents?”
Please consider your neighbours’ parking requirements if you are using on-street parking for your household vehicles. Please consider using your double garage for your vehicles, not storage, and free up public parking spots needed for visitors. If a chronic situation develops due to someone parking in front of your house: please consider a friendly and kind reminder note placed on the windshield. If you own more cars that can be accommodated on site: please consider reducing your dependence on vehicles.
Let’s adapt our habits, cultures, and expectations to keep our neighbourhood friendly, open, welcoming, and fair. And remember: Montgomery is a highly walkable, scenic community, very well-serviced by public transit. See you on the streets!
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