City hits the brakes on changes to Calgary's residential parking permit scheme

The City of Calgary has decided to delay the implementation of changes to its residential parking permit program.

The changes were scheduled to take effect starting Aug. 1.

Under the revamped system, residents of small, multi-residential buildings (and larger ones built before 1945) would be eligible to apply for a maximum of one "select" permit for street parking at $75 per year.

People in ground-oriented dwellings (detached or semi-detached houses, duplexes and townhouses) would have been allowed to buy up to three residential permits ($50 for the first, $75 for the second, $150 for the third) as well as two visitor permits for $75 per year.

Corresponding "market" permits are already in force. Residents of large, four-storey-plus, multi-residential buildings constructed post-1945 pay $150 per month for a "market" permit in the city centre, $100 per month in the inner city, and $75 per month in suburban zones.

But after hearing concerns from a majority of city council members, the city is delaying the implementation of the remaining fee changes until Dec. 4. 

Council also signaled it wants to discuss the fees during its November budget debate.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek said it's possible council could decide to change course again on the issue when it resurfaces in the fall.

"Actually, this could be opened wider, because there are members of council, and I tend to be one, that say, 'let public parking be public parking,'" she said.

"I don't know which way council will go on this when it comes in November. It's become a pretty fulsome conversation, so we shall see."

In the meantime, existing residential parking permits will remain in effect.

The city has received 180 requests from Calgarians for reviews of the rules on specific streets in existing residential parking zones.