A big turnout is anticipated this Thursday at Roundhouse Community Centre when small businesses in Yaletown will hold a rally in opposition to the municipal government’s planned reduction of parking stalls in the area.

The rally, organized by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association (YBIA), coincides with the City of Vancouver’s open house on the matter at the community centre.

“The City of Vancouver have announced they are removing the majority of parking stalls in Yaletown without the proper consultation of community stakeholders,” reads an Instagram post by the YBIA announcing the rally.

“Multi-model transportation is what makes Yaletown unique and its cultural and economic vibrancy depends on ALL forms of transportation. We urge you to come out and support the well being of the neighbourhood and its local businesses.”

In a previous interview with Daily Hive, YBIA executive Annette O’Shea said about 150 angled parking stalls on Mainland Street and Hamilton Street will be removed beginning on March 1 to create expanded fire access. City staff countered that the number of lost spaces is closer to 80 stalls.

But O’Shea asserted that proposed effective alternative ideas with less of an impact, specifically the alternative of removing parallel parking on both streets, were quickly dismissed by City staff.

She also claims the YBIA only learned of the planned changes in late-December, despite planning for the changes being a year-long project for City staff.

According to O’Shea, small businesses in Yaletown depend on the existing parking capacity, which sees a 92% usage rate in the daytime and a 97% usage rate in the nighttime based on the municipality’s data.

The rally at the community centre on Thursday, February is scheduled from 2 to 8 pm, coinciding with the time of the open house inside.

Earlier today, the Vancouver Park Board announced it will reduce the planned duration of the new pay parking season at Spanish Banks Beach in response to widespread public criticism.

Rally against removal of Yaletown parking spaces

When: Thursday, February 22

Time: 2 to 8 pm

Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

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