Fewer cars, more ‘walkability’ envisioned in proposed changes to parking requirements
NANAIMO — Are Nanaimo commuters ready to leave their cars behind, choosing to walk, ride their bikes or take the bus to get around?
That hugely debatable question is being thrust into the spotlight as the City nears completion of a multi-year review of its parking bylaws. The proposed changes would, for the majority of developments in most areas of the city, reduce the number of parking spaces required in an effort to incentivize alternative modes of transportation.
City of Nanaimo planner David Stewart said they’re trying to strike a balance between making sure the parking required is adequate and steering people away from their cars.
“Walkability is important, it’s one of the goals of our community and excessive parking is something that hinders that goal. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg. In order to get there we need to develop communities that aren’t dominated by parking.”