City of Surrey staff say cracking down on unauthorized reserved parking in Crescent Beach could open up as many as 400 vehicle spots in the neighbourhood.
According to a corporate report to be presented to council tonight (Dec. 18), “comprehensive parking surveys concluded that there is sufficient parking supply… for both residents, commercial business patrons, and seasonal visitors.”
“Through on-site observations, it was determined that 300 to 400 on-street parking spaces have obstructions, such as illegal ‘no parking’ signs, boulders or unauthorized landscaping,” the report states.
“These unauthorized obstructions discourage or physically restrict access to on-street parking, reducing the available on-street spaces from approximately 1,200 to 800, equating to over a one-third reduction in accessible parking.”
Concerns around traffic and parking in the area are not new. Residents who asked the city for help early last year said they found recognition of a need to encourage alternative ways of accessing the tiny community proposed in land-use plans dating back to 1999.
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The latest corporate report notes city staff conducted an “extensive analysis” of parking availability in Crescent Beach in May and August of 2022, and again in July and August of 2023. Findings included that “a lower occupancy rate would have been realized if these unauthorized obstructions were rectified.”
Staff concluded that neither pay parking or a resident-only permit parking system – both among ideas proposed by residents to help alleviate congestion and increase safety – were warranted.
At the same time, some efforts to address pedestrian and parking conflicts and improve overall accessibility and safety of the neighbourhood’s streets are needed, the report notes.
To that end – if council agrees – a “parking and walking enhancement concept” is to be developed. The first step, according to the report, would be educating area residents – via an open house and information mail-out – regarding bylaws associated with obstructions, as well as getting those obstructions and any unauthorized signage removed.
Development of parking and walkway improvements on targeted streets, as well as public consultation, would follow.
Tonight’s council meeting gets underway at 7 p.m. at city hall, 13450 104 Ave. To view the livestream, visit surrey.ca