A recently released parking strategy report from consultant RJ Burnside and Associates led council to ponder several issues regarding parking throughout Fergus and Elora.

Centre Wellington staff voiced the need for more parking in the evenings, and maybe even a parking garage in one or both of the towns. Coun. Barb Evoy pointed out there are several benefits for residents if more parking were to be made available, specifically at night.

"I know personally when I go out in the evening to Fergus and Elora, I often struggle with trying to find a place to park," Evoy explained.

"We'll do things like travel in one car but sometimes we're meeting people from out of town and being able to have some evening parking additions would be great," she added.

Evoy said more evening data for Fergus and Elora would be appreciated. Highlights of the report included a critical need for parking in Elora and a requirement for parking in Fergus more available close to amenities. Evoy stressed the importance of remembering about the factor of growth when taking parking into consideration.

"I think Fergus in the evening may not have as many challenges as we do in Elora, although there are challenges of course and as we move forward with the growth that is due to come I think that'll increase and that's another reason I asked them to bring more information moving forward," Evoy said.

She also stated in conversations with community members she has several times been told paid parking would be acceptable.

"Everybody I speak with says they would happily pay for parking in a parking garage if we were able to bring one to the community, specifically to Fergus," Evoy stated.

She was sure to mention Elora's needs are similar and they could use a garage as well.

Evoy wasn’t the only councillor with suggestion. Coun. Bronwynne Wilton shared the idea of repurposing certain Fergus lots to parkades.

A final version of the document and recommendations to council will come to staff in January.

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