As part of a special pilot project, Sparks Street businesses are temporarily offering VIP parking between Metcalfe and O’Connor streets, right in the middle of the pedestrian mall.
This measure is the latest in a long line of efforts to revitalize Sparks Street. Others include a proposal for a zip-line along the street and a new tradition being introduced in February called Get Nipped.
Cars haven’t been allowed on Sparks Street since 1966, but as part of the three-month pilot project, customers can receive a special permit from a store that will allow them to park in front of the shops between Metcalfe and O’Connor for an hour.
Les Gagne, executive director of the Sparks Street BIA, says this initiative has been years in the making.
“This is something that makes perfect sense during a time of the year when most pedestrians are spending more time indoors than out,” he says.
While winter has always been a difficult time for merchants on Sparks, this season’s weather has made it even harder for their customers to reach them.
They’re confident the project will help shoppers get to shops on the street quicker and easier.
“For us, it’s a valuable asset,” says Dominic Morgante, owner of Morgante Menswear. “We have very strong, loyal, repeat clientele and parking is generally an issue for us, especially the last little while with the closures on Queen Street.”
Nazmi Sawaz, owner of Bello Uomo Fashions, says the VIP service will be very attractive to his store’s clientele.
“It’s VIP parking and normally anyone would like to be served in a VIP way, so I think it will make a big difference,” he says.
Storeowners across the board are enthusiastic about the project.
“One of the biggest downsides of shopping on Sparks Street . . . is parking, so it really does alleviate a huge issue," says Lindsay Appotive, owner of True Bijoux jewellers.
The test period for the parking pilot project ends on March 31.