The parking rate increases in 2023 have had a detrimental impact on businesses in downtown Orillia. As a business owner who relies on the accessibility and affordability of parking for both employees and customers, these hikes in meter rates, which now stand at $3 an hour compared to Toronto's $4, have created undesired complications. The sudden surge in parking fees has significantly deterred foot traffic, impacting sales and customer retention.

To add to the financial strain, the additional revenue from these parking hikes was used to develop land at a seasonal parking lot at a staggering cost of $167,000, which has since been closed, resulting in losses that could have been avoided. Despite being directly affected by these decisions, the businesses in the downtown area were not included in the discussions or given any opportunity to provide input.

What we propose is not just a reversal of the current parking rate increases, but also the implementation of gated and free parking in Lot #1. This will not only mitigate the loss experienced due to reduced business but also attract more visitors to the area, ultimately benefiting the local economy. Gated and free parking solutions have proven successful in other cities, offering a balance between revenue generation and accessibility.

Furthermore, we urge the local councils and decision-makers to engage with business owners and stakeholders in meaningful discussions before implementing changes that significantly affect the community. Ensuring that business voices are heard is crucial, particularly with the next election on the horizon.

By signing this petition, we can collectively voice our concerns and push for more inclusive and economically sustainable parking policies that support both residents and businesses in downtown Orillia. Let's work together to turn this situation around for the betterment of our local community.