Abstract Manager

Municipalities all around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and broader Ontario are becoming more dedicated to sustainability and climate change commitments. Municipalities of all sizes have recognized climate change as a threat to their communities and environment and have declared Climate Change Emergencies. Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions consisting of approximately 30% of Ontario’s emissions inventory. As a result, municipalities have increased their efforts in supporting sustainable modes of transportation focusing on transit, active transportation and other travel demand management measures.  

One of the major objectives while developing a desirable transportation system is the efficient movement of people and goods. However, there are other objectives unrelated to mobility. For example, a desired transportation system may support the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable communities, encourage healthy lifestyles, and support economic development. Parking management is one component of a transportation system; therefore, parking management should also aim to achieve these objectives. 

Managing sustainability objectives and providing adequate parking (supply and management) is one of the many balancing acts required for optimal parking management. Municipalities have a few tools available such as maximum parking duration limits, pricing, parking standards for new developments and the use of emerging technologies for parking data collection. These strategies should be applied while considering the jurisdiction’s unique study context which can consist of the policy context, socio-demographic factors, and emerging mobility trends that are specific to that jurisdiction. These factors not only vary between municipalities but can vary within a municipality through its various land uses such as residential and commercial land uses.  

By reviewing the study context and land uses, the jurisdiction’s parking policy framework, vision and objectives can be created. We explore how the study context influenced the strategies and solutions for a small-sized municipality (Town of Grimsby), a medium-sized municipality (Town of Oakville), and a large-sized municipality (City of Hamilton). For the Town of Grimsby, we explore how parking management can assist in developing an attractive commercial “Main Street” while providing visitors with an enjoyable experience. For the Town of Oakville, we explore how parking-related solutions can support sustainable urban design of residential communities. For the City of Hamilton, we explore how parking standards can lead to more equitable outcomes by considering family sizes, housing affordability, and other factors which vary between the City’s rural and urban boundaries.