GuelphToday received the following Letter to the Editor from Rick Warden, Guelph citizen, in regard to issues with parking spots in the city.
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What is Happening in Guelph?
I read an article about a new building going into 9 and 11 Cork St., a 10-unit building with nine parking spots. According to the 2016 census, Guelph has 1.5 cars per household. There are many homes being built, purchased or rented. If there are any extra parking spaces for visitors, they are scooped up by the extra vehicles owned by residents. My wife and I cannot visit some of our friends because there is no place to park. I don't see that we will take public transit for a visit.
Parking has always been a concern in Guelph. When plans are submitted for development, they should include ample parking at a minimum of 1.5 spaces for each unit. With the current price of real estate, the average home needs to have two incomes. This will require transit but not the bus. There are numerous people that reside in Guelph who work outside the city. Many city streets are packed with parked cars and trucks. The author of the recent letter to the editor called "Parking is at a Premium" identifies their road as not serviced because of the parking problems. If the city could look at providing more parking instead of allowing the developers to capitalize on the building market, maybe the streets would become better serviced. The speed limits are being reduced, and some roads are difficult to navigate due to the parking congestion. Some main roads have been reduced in size and lane count to accommodate more bike lanes.
Think about what's happening. Guelph grows, and so does the volume on the city streets. City council, please plan to accommodate two cars per household. I say that because I don't know anyone who owns 1.5 vehicles. Cars are a necessity. I realize the City council and many people want a greener world, I do too. But, if we start planning to get cars into driveways and car parks now, the roads will become safer and more pleasant to use for cyclists, motorists or pedestrians.
Rivck Warden, Guelph
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