HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-14-25 - No. 03 tisikivmai
CITY OF! a CANADA
NIA A FAQ
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
January 14, 2025
No. 3 — Motion regarding Maximizing parking at the Exchange and NF History
Museum
Moved by: Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by: Councillor Mike Strange
Whereas the Exchange provides a much-needed element of culture in the City and is a great
benefit to the residents, but parking challenges for events there have been identified.
Whereas residents and visitors to the location have expressed they are discouraged with the
parking situation since the Exchange has been up and running alongside the Museum.
Whereas the Exchange was intended to house a farmer's market and City Council voted to
move the market location, with one of the reasons cited as insufficient parking.
Whereas the 10,000 square foot event space in the Exchange and adjacent Niagara Falls
History Museum (Museum) require parking to be maximized to get the most out of these
venues.
Whereas challenges with parking create a poor customer experience that translates into
declining attendance numbers and could impact event rentals.
Whereas attendees look for parking elsewhere and often infringe on parking lots and spaces of
neighbouring business properties.
Whereas businesses and neighbours are bearing the brunt of the parking overflow challenges.
Whereas the Main and Ferry BIA has identified that there has long been an issue with parking
in the area, years before the Exchange was added and parking was further limited.
Whereas advertised parking spaces on the website within a 5-minute walk does not paint
anaccurate picture for event-goers.
Whereas other factors need to be considered that deter visitors from parking at suggested off-
site lots including accessibility, walking distance for older adults or families with young children,
feeling of safety and security in the neighbourhood, winter and other weather events.
Whereas there are options that can be considered to maximize parking on-site.
Whereas at larger events, shuttle service could be explored between nearby lots to address
some of the concerns of parking at off-site lots.
Whereas every opportunity to maximize parking seasonally including removing snow from the
site instead of piling it there to cover any available spots should be considered.
Whereas there is a loading dock and surrounding area that is minimally used and space
allocation could be revisited.
Whereas the parking lot design of the Exchange includes unnecessary curbs and plantings
(parklike design/where parking needed).
Whereas attached photos indicate some of the curbs in question.
Whereas decorative curbs can cause seasonal driving obstacles, for example when covered in
snow.
Whereas redesigning decorative curbs and plantings could recoup additional parking spaces
on-site.
Whereas when events are on, all thoroughfares and access to facilities should be opened for
traffic to move freely.
Whereas street closures during events should be strongly discouraged as they create a
perception of added inaccessibility to get close to the facility.
Whereas Niagara Region Transit has opted to move the bus stop away from the front of the
Museum, freeing up valuable on-street space that had been used for busses to stop.
Whereas transit changes have created opportunities for more on-street parking in front and
adjacent to this location that should be explored.
Whereas other innovative and creative solutions and best practices should be explored.
Whereas the silver lining with the move of the market to transform the Exchange into an
opportune event venue, should not be hindered by parking but instead should serve to enhance
the venue.
Therefore, be it resolved:
The City of Niagara Falls utilize and maximize all on-site parking and surrounding street parking
to enhance the Exchange and Museum and to redesign the parking lot to maximize the number
of parking spaces and that this be done as soon as possible to better serve the users of the
facility.
.AND The Sea of the Corporation to hereto affixed. Carried gnarl' ously
WILLIAM G.MATSON JAMES M.DIODATI
CITY CLERK