Parking requirements getting overhaul for new Nanaimo developments

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The bylaw changes include reducing multi-family parking requirements in transit-adjacent areas, varying parking rates based on location within the City boundaries, and a 20 per cent increase in bicycle parking requirements in urban centre developments.

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It would also remove the requirement for developers to install electric vehicle charging equipment at the time of construction, instead requiring “EV-ready infrastructure,” which would allow a charger to be installed without additional electrical upgrades.

The City said the changes are to “modernize parking regulations, improve mobility choice, support urban development…encourage sustainable transportation,” aligning with provincial direction for developments in transit-oriented areas.

The changes were shaped by input from residents, industry stakeholders, and the advisory committee on accessibility and inclusiveness, taking place over the last 18 months.

The bylaw must still come before council at a future meeting for final adoption on July 6.

The off-street parking regulations bylaw passed the first three readings during the Monday, June 22, Nanaimo council meetings, with only councillors Thorpe and Sheryl Armstrong voting against all three.

Thorpe quoted from their 2016 transportation master plan, which said 88 per cent of Nanaimo residents use a vehicle for their daily trips, compared to 8.5 per cent of people walking, 2.5 per cent by bus, and 1 per cent on bikes.

“The reality is, our population is growing, we have more people, we have more automobiles, we have more delivery trucks, and now we’re taking away parking,” said Thorpe. “To me, it’s just not in line with the reality that we’re faced with.”

The proposed bylaw off-street parking area designations, with off-street parking requirements dependent on the area and the number of bedrooms. For example, a condo with five or more two-bedroom dwellings built in area 1 would require 1.6 off-street parking spots, but would have no minimum parking requirements if it were in area 5. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

Coun. Armstrong shared concerns about introducing maximum parking limits in urban centres, and if new units will struggle to sell or be rented out if there isn’t enough parking.

Director of engineering Poul Rosen said they heard from developers who want more flexibility when planning their proposed builds.

“We’re hoping that with the parking being contextualized with fewer parking spaces required the closer you get to urban centres, and more required in suburban areas, that should be aligned with where transit and alternative modes are supported. We do expect some shift in the short-term to on-street parking demand, but that should be managed through the curb-side review that we’re going to be undertaking following this work.”

More details on the updated bylaws regulating off-street parking for developments are available here on the City’s website.

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