Pay Parking - Civic Garden Centre

The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following Resolution from Councillor Joanne Flint, North York Centre South:

WHEREAS last year the Civic Garden Centre was identified by Metro Council as a location for pay parking; and

WHEREAS parking revenue from the Civic Garden Centre was included in the 1998 Toronto City budget; and

WHEREAS there are 42 volunteer groups with well over 1,000 active volunteers and even more members associated with the Civic Garden Centre (including 3 "resident" groups: Toronto Garden Club, Milne Garden Club and the Civic Garden Centre); and

WHEREAS a fully accessible teaching garden was recently opened at this location; and

WHEREAS the Civic Garden Centre is comparable to a community centre; and

WHEREAS there is no commuter parking problem at this time; and

WHEREAS pay parking will legitimize and increase the use by commuters; and

WHEREAS one meeting has been held between Parks Department staff, local Councillors and major stakeholders, at which it was agreed that more information was needed before any specific proposals for relief or exemption from parking fees could be recommended; and

WHEREAS August 1st, 1998 is the date targeted for the installation of pay parking;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that pay parking not be implemented at this time; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff be directed to continue discussions with volunteer groups, nearby community associations, Civic Garden Centre staff and local Councillors, in an effort to determine appropriate recommendations regarding the pay parking initiative; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Councillors report back through the Community Council to Toronto City Council no later than October 1998.