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Your turn: Parking on residential streets


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This week's roundup of calls for public engagement includes feedback opportunities on Edmonton's residential parking program as well as surveys about a future neighbourhood in Leduc County and parks in Spruce Grove.

The City of Edmonton has launched an interactive feedback page about the residential parking program, which uses restrictions and permits to manage parking demand in 19 neighbourhoods. Permits are only available to residents of single-family homes and multi-family buildings up to three storeys in height. The city said it is redesigning the program because Edmonton's needs have evolved since it was introduced in the 1970s.

Changes to the residential parking program are part of a broader strategy to manage curbside space in a more equitable way that aligns with long-term goals in the City Plan, administration said. While private vehicle storage is an important and valued part of the transportation system, an increasing number of uses and activities are in competition with curbside parking for the limited space available, the city said. These include dedicated transit lanes, active transportation infrastructure, and temporary patios.

When it comes to parking along the streets of growing and changing neighbourhoods, "more people may be competing for the same limited amount of street parking," the city said. "Residents, visitors, caregivers, service providers, delivery drivers, and people accessing nearby destinations all have different parking needs." The redesigned residential parking program will better manage parking pressures in areas experiencing growth and balance access, livability, and the efficient use of curbside space, the city said.

An online survey is available until Nov. 15, and there will be a pop-up event at Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre on Oct. 24.

Parking is a common concern across Edmonton when new development is proposed, especially in mature neighbourhoods. The city removed minimum parking requirements from its zoning bylaw in 2020, meaning developers can choose how much on-site parking to provide. The city said this has enabled more diversity of housing types and reduced building costs, adding that there is still an average of one stall for every two units in the small-scale residential (RS) zone.

However, earlier this month, Premier Danielle Smith directed the city to reinstate parking minimums and revert the zoning bylaw to parameters that were in place before 2024. Edmonton city council and administration are still waiting for written instructions, including a firm deadline.

The engagement includes the Curbside Compass, which allows users to explore how development patterns and vehicle users can change how much parking is available on a street. Parking looks different when homes have rear-detached garages, front driveways, multiple units, or limited on-site parking. The tool shows what could change depending on how many personal vehicles, visitor passes, and weekly deliveries each home has.

Administration said it will use the feedback to redesign the residential parking program and present it to council for approval in spring 2027.

A sign restricting parking to residents with permits

Neighbourhoods surrounding Commonwealth Stadium were among the first in Edmonton's residential parking program, which was launched in the 1970s. (Colin Gallant)

Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:

"Your turn" is Taproot's weekly collection of public engagement opportunities in the Edmonton region. Watch this space every week for opportunities to make your views known. If you know of a request for public input, send it to hello@taprootedmonton.ca.