I received notification that as of Jan. 1, 2014 my monthly parking fees at the 2nd Avenue parkade will be increased from $44.53 to $94.50 According to my math skills that is an 80 per cent increase. I pose this question to our mayor... is this reasonable? The generic response your office emailed to all inquiries explains that you are using the KPMG Core Service Review as the basis to support this increase. In addition you state that this increase is "comparable to other cities in the area," i.e. Kelowna, Kamloops and Nanaimo. I don't know who would agree that these cities are in any aspect comparable to Prince George. No offense to the City of Prince George. These comparable cities have population difference of approximately 15,000 - 70,000 higher than ours, and a smaller population of minimum-wage workers.
According to page 77 of the Core Service Review, the average parking cost for the comparable cities ranged from $21 - $95. I see you chose to jump to the largest suggested value. Straight to the jugular. Again I ask, is this appropriate or reasonable? In your generic response email you state that the decision to increase off-street parking is in no way related to your on-street meter installation motion? Well of course you say that mayor... you say that because it failed. Oh and let's not forget the immediate implication of the $6 dumping fee at our landfills, which people seem to be rebelling against by dumping whereever they see fit, making our rural trails and area look like a scene off Walking Dead. And how about our five per cent increase in utility bills just this year, and increase in leisure service fees, but a decrease in residential snow removal services. I have a spare kidney if you are needing that as well.
I will cancel my off-street parking. I also have four co-workers that have cancelled their parking. I will now be parking on-street and moving my car every two hours, like a jerk. I suppose five people won't make a difference for you to notice dear mayor. But let's see how much our local downtown businesses take notice shall we? Let's ask them if this is reasonable or appropriate? Smart move mayor Green. Enjoy what's left of your term, as it will be your last.
Crystal Thorpe
Prince George
