Let's face it: On a good day, parking can be a nightmare at Town Centre Park.
When the weather cooperates, or when an event is taking place, some residents make the journey to the park to enjoy the outdoors — and the amenities — and this can make searching for one empty space among its 820 spots a difficult journey.
As of today (June 8), the city of Coquitlam says it's implemented five more digital signs around Town Centre Park alerting patrons of how many spots are available thanks to a $500,000 contribution from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
“Town Centre Park is not only a community focal point but a regional destination, and anyone who has driven there during a festival, sporting event or even on a sunny weekend will know the value of this new digital parking signage," said Mayor Richard Stewart, in a news release.
"Real-time information to guide motorists can actually improve pedestrian safety. This project will improve the experience of all visitors to the park, which has become even more important over the past year as a safe place for people to get outdoors, exercise and connect with others. We appreciate the support of our federal and provincial partners and the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) as we work to improve services for the community.”
In total, there are now seven digital display signs around the park's vicinity: one in each lot (A, B, C, D and E) and two at a pair of key intersections nearby:
- Pinetree Way and Trevor Wingrove Way (new)
- Pipeline Road at Guildford Way and David Avenue
The first two signs were erected through a pilot project in 2018.
The signs display real-time numbers indicating how many spots are open; the system is linked to the city of Coquitlam's fibre optic network.
If a lot is completely full, the sign will indicate which lots have available spaces.
According to the city, these kinds of signs "improve driver and pedestrian safety" and help prevent illegal curbside parking and traffic congestion.
It's also said to reduce vehicle idling that can happen while looking for a spot in a lot.
“Through Canada’s infrastructure plan, we are investing in projects across the country to create good jobs and build cleaner, greener and more inclusive communities," adds Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon in a statement on behalf of Catherine McKenna, federal minister of infrastructure and communities.
Canada's Gas Tax Fund is a cost-sharing infrastructure program administered in B.C. via the UBCM.
The digital signs are also part of Coquitlam's five-year technology roadmap, which aims to see more improvements to service delivery, business functions and operational efficiency.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the city's park page.
