The community coalition that gathered 25,000 signatures in opposition to Montreal’s parking meter hikes, has again called on Mayor Tremblay to review parking meter policies and restrictions.     

Community coalition leaders (from left to right) businessman Michael Cianciullo, businessman and community activist Michael Shafter, coalition organizer and spokesperson Giovanna Giancaspro co-owner of Restaurant La Molisana, Métropolitain editor and President of the Institute for Public Affairs Beryl Wajsman, and Alain Creton, owner of downtown’s landmark Alexandre et Fils restaurant.

In a press conference held yesterday at the Baton Rouge restaurant on de la Montagne, coalition leaders expressed concern that without a change in these policies many Montreal businesses will have a very hard time making it through this spring and summer in the current economic climate.

The coalition spokespersons pointed out that this season is very important financially and they need these changes to overcome not only the results of the financial uncertainty, but also the loss of tourists who would normally have been here for the now-cancelled Grand Prix.

Coalition leaders face the media. They were joined by municipal politician Louise O’Sullivan.

Some forty prominent business and property owners joined the coalition leaders to voice their disapproval at parking rates and regulations they deem unjust. They stressed that the severe time limits and costs of parking don’t allow people to dine in restaurants, see movies or even do shopping in peace. They demanded a three hour seven dollar first rate for parking. A return  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings being free of charge. Additionally, they demanded a return to free Sundays and ask that the city recalibrate the meters so there is no double dipping. The current meter configuration don’t allow for adding money to your time, and indeed have been regular vandalized with slots being thown in that eliminate the time actually paid for. 

The coalition stated that the parking policies, combined with last year’s record tax increases, may lead to as many business closures as the city saw in the last years of the Dore administration.

Community Coalition Leaders welcome talks with Mayor Tremblay
but do not accept SDC's speaking on their behalf

    MONTREAL, March 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Community Coalition Leaders, who
gathered 25 000 signatures, welcomed the willingness of Mayor Tremblay and Mr
Luis Miranda, Executive Member, at their approach to evaluate and discuss the
following main issues on "parking meters".

    - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday evenings should be "free of charge" and the
    request for the return to "Sunday free parking".

    - To adopt a 3 hour Drop Rate and the ability to put more time on the
    meter.

    With the rising taxes and lost revenues, Montreal business will have a
hard time making it this spring and summer, especially during the current
economic climate. With the loss of the Grand Prix, the parking meters may the
"make it or break it" element!

    We are very gratified that the SDC have decided to champion our cause,
but we do not accept that the SDC speaks for us, they must be at the table
with us citizens and Montreal merchants. We do not need bureaucratic voices
replacing our own.

For further information: Giovanna Giancaspro, Restaurant La Molisana,
(514) 382-7100; Beryl Wajsman, Institute for Public Affairs, (514) 941-4840;
Alain Creton, Chez Alexandre, (514) 288-5105