Controversy Surrounds Parking Changes in Downtown Paris: Community Voices Concerns

By Chris Whelan

The recent decision by the County of Brant Council to convert angled parking to parallel parking on Grand River Street North has sparked a wave of discontent among business owners and residents in the picturesque town of Paris. The move, approved despite the loss of approximately 25 parking spots, has drawn criticism and raised questions about the decision-making process

Community Backlash:

Comments from business owners and residents reflect a deep-seated frustration with the council's choice. Susan Kelley, owner of Sales Decorating Centre, initiated a petition advocating for the retention of angled parking, citing overwhelming community support for this option. Residents like Donna Kings and Kimberlee Mason express concerns over the perceived negative impact on the town's aesthetic and functionality.

Milica Pottruff-Campbell voices fears of the challenges parallel parking could pose, while others like Melissa Shannon, Judy Wakeford, and Amy John criticize the decision, predicting potential traffic congestion and inconvenience for both locals and visitors.

Alternative Suggestions:

Some community members, including George Le Gresley and Claudine Craigie, propose creative solutions such as transforming the affected area into a pedestrian mall or reallocating space for wider sidewalks. Others, like Katrina Jones-Lyttle and Bob Williams, question the rationale behind the shift to parallel parking, highlighting potential issues with traffic flow and driver competence.

Seeking Community Input:

Debbie Croome raises a crucial point regarding the involvement of store owners in the decisionmaking process, emphasizing the importance of considering the perspectives of those directly

It is estimated that the cost per linear meter for Option#1 would be ~ $600 CAD or a total of ~ $120,000 CAD for the entire length of the street (~ 200m). (* based on 2019 estimates) impacted by such changes.

As the debate rages on, it is evident that the community's concerns and suggestions warrant careful consideration in shaping the future of downtown Paris. The clash of opinions underscores the delicate balance between progress and preserving the unique charm and functionality of this historic town.

The future of downtown Brant promises a vibrant, accessible, and community-centric urban landscape, with these developments marking significant steps towards that vision. Stay tuned for more updates as the projects unfold.