New parking limits are coming to the area around Victoria Hospital after Prince Albert city council approved changes aimed at addressing traffic and public safety concerns.
Council approved a two-hour parking zone on 25th Street West from 10th Avenue West to approximately 210 metres east of the intersection.
The Alfred Jenkins Field House parking lot will also become a four-hour parking zone from Monday to Friday.
The changes were approved by council Monday, although council did not identify when the new parking restrictions will take effect. Council’s discussion did not specify when signs will be installed or when enforcement of the new limits will begin.
Coun. Darren Solomon, who originally raised concerns about the area, said the issue began as a public safety matter.
“I know the initial issue that I raised had to do more with public safety,” Solomon said.
He said there is a high volume of traffic crossing 10th Avenue West and travelling along 25th Street West. Vehicles parked on both sides of 25th Street can also leave only enough room for single-lane traffic.
Solomon said the area will continue to change with the Victoria Hospital expansion, Ronald McDonald House and a new daycare.
“All of those things are changing the area quite rapidly,” he said.
Vehicles are parked along 25th Street West near Victoria Hospital. Prince Albert city council has approved a two-hour parking zone for a portion of the street.
The parking changes follow an earlier review of the area prompted by concerns about pedestrian safety and increasing traffic around the hospital.
Council also discussed how the new parking limits will be enforced.
Coun. Daniel Brown asked whether the City could work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and potentially use the hospital’s licence plate-based parking system instead of relying on bylaw officers to check vehicles.
Executive Director of Operations Jody Boulet said that option has not been considered at this point and could require an investment. He said communication with the Saskatchewan Health Authority will be important as the City moves forward with enforcement.
“If we can streamline it or make it better through that communication, we’ll certainly bring those recommendations back in the future,” Boulet said.
The City will monitor the parking strategy and report back to council after the Victoria Hospital expansion opens, including any recommended changes and associated costs.
Administration will also provide council with an annual report on the four-hour parking limit at Alfred Jenkins.
Coun. Dawn Kilmer asked for a specific deadline for that report. Capital Projects Manager Evan Hastings recommended it come to council by July 31 each year, allowing staff to observe spring traffic and leaving time during the summer to make changes if necessary.
Solomon accepted the change.
He said continued monitoring will allow the City to adjust as development changes traffic and parking demands in the area.
The motion was carried by council.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
