parking is almost always an issue. Whether you are in the city praying for a vacant parking spot or in Sooke it is an issue that riles and frustrates even the most patient among us.
At the very successful Lions convention held at the Prestige Hotel, it was, once again, apparent that the parking at that venue is inadequate. In fact, every large event held at the hotel has resulted in parking along West Coast Road, which is unsafe and inadequate. It shouldn’t happen.
In our society it seems everyone still wants to drive their own vehicle. We rarely carpool and even more infrequently take public transit. We just want our own wheels.
Parking at the hotel continues to be inadequate and something should be done. But what?
The boaters using the public boat launch can’t get their trailers parked without infringing on the public roadway and there aren’t enough truck and trailer stalls on a busy weekend. There has to be some enforcement in this area. Dedicated parking spaces for boaters need to be kept open and overflow parking needs to be addressed. Too much, it appears was “given” to the hotel and too little to the taxpaying public.
There are also parking issues around secondary and small suites which are now allowed in all residentially zoned properties.
One thing is clear and that is that council needs to come up with some solutions which are fair to all. When developments are approved, it is crucial that the parking issues be addressed, not for the benefit of the developer but for the benefit of our residents and visitors.