The parklet program is all a part of the city's plan to encourage cycling and walking

City councillor says parklets won't be a problem for drivers looking to park

New Westminster kicks off parklet pilot project which turn parking space into green space

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – You could soon see fewer parking spaces and more green space in New Westminster. The city is kicking off its new parklet pilot program tomorrow.

Two parking spaces on East Columbia in the Sapperton area will be converted into mini-parks known as parklets, which is basically an extension of the sidewalk built into a patio complete with a bench and greenery for people to sit, socialize and relax in.

Councillor Chuck Puchmayr says it won’t be a burden on drivers.

“For the episodic parking and hourly parking, our analysis shows that it’s not going to have an adverse impact on that.”

He says the city will reach out to community and get feedback before more of these parklets pop up.

“We’re going to listen to the business community, and the merchants in those areas, and if the response is positive, and once they see this one in effect, certainly, we would have an appetite to expand the program.”

He adds the extra leisure space is all part of the city’s plan to encourage cycling and walking.

The city of Vancouver already has a parklet pilot project underway.