City of Fredericton seeks input on downtown parking

The City of Fredericton is seeking public feedback on parking in the downtown through two surveys and an open house meeting, starting this week.

City officials wantto know what motorists like about parking downtown and what they feel should be changed in the areabordered by Smythe Street, George Street, University Avenue, and St. Anne Boulevard.

It's all part of the Parking Master Plan initiative, which will be an integral part of the city's new Municipal Plan and Growth Strategy, also currently being developed.

I really hope people take the time to participate.- HenriMallet, city councillor

"This is about improving and enhancing the city's downtownparkingby creating a plan that supports our ongoing growth and planning efforts," Coun. HenriMallet, chair of the city's transportation committee, said in a statement.

The first survey will be conducted on the downtown streets Jan. 24-26, targeting motorists at the city's parkingmeters, parking lots and parkinggarages.

An online survey is also underway on the city's website and will continue until Feb. 16.

On Jan. 26, theparkingplan consultant andcity staff will hostan open house at the Fredericton Public Library in the Chickadee room between 4 p.m. and8 p.m.

They will discussparking, answer questions and collect comments.

"I really hope people take the time to participate,"said Mallet.

The goal of the master plan is to identify ways to:

• Maximize the efficiency of existingparkingresources.
• Improveparkingand mobility options for residents and visitors.
• Identify solutions will support a connected, walkable and inviting destination for all users.

Clayton-Hill Associates Ltd./Kimley-Hornand Associates Inc. areexpected to deliver a final reportbased on data, best practices and feedback by late fall.

The consultants wereawarded the contract in April, 2016.