No daytime fees, but monthly pass soon needed for overnight BIA parking
April 17, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Free daytime parking in municipal lots in parts of town that have BIAs will remain in place but a monthly pass will soon be needed for overnight parking.
This comes after councillors approved a recommendation report at Monday’s council-in-committee meeting to make these changes, an ongoing conversation since a 2021 study was conducted in Crystal Beach.
“At that time, more than half of those surveyed agreed that fees to use municipal lots would help with turnover in the lots and keep beachgoers from parking there all day, which could prevent others who wish to attend the local shops and restaurants from being able to use the lot,” reads the report approved earlier this week.
In 2023, the town approved a policy outlining the use of parking lots and possible overnight fees that could be implemented.
Staff corresponded with the Crystal Beach BIA in January to ask what their current position is on charging a fee at the municipal lot on Erie Road.
Twenty-nine emails from local businesses and residents determined that there is little interest in paid parking during the day, especially as more businesses continue to pop up in Crystal Beach.
Feedback was also received that no other BIA charges for parking and that it would be detrimental to businesses if implemented.
Mayor Wayne Redekop called the plan a “good compromise.”
Ward 6 Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes asked for more information about what a pass buys you and for how long people can park in a spot.
Acting infrastructure director Jordan Frost said the overnight pass, which would be $50 per month, would allow people to park overnight between 2 and 7 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
“It’s definitely something we can work through in the bylaw to be crystal clear,” he said.
There is an expectation that “vehicle turnover” will take place when free parking is offered during the day.
He expects primary customers will be people who only have one parking spot but two vehicles in their household, as well as those who lose a spot in the winter months when on-street parking in the wee hours is prohibited.
Signage is also part of the plan in making the changes known, said Ward 5 Councillor Tom Lewis, who represents the Crystal Beach area.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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