Patio vs. parking debate in Unionville

A showdown over outdoor patios and parking spaces is brewing on Main Street Unionville and for safety reasons, Markham council could nix one or the other for good next week. The parking and patio are intertwined, Unionville Councillor Don Hamilton said. You cant have patios when cars are parked there. The problem of patios encroaching illegally onto interlocked parking spaces between the sidewalk and the road on the west side of Main Street Unionville has been around for a number of years, Mr. Hamilton said. He said there are typically only three businesses on the street that put patios out in the summer. Earlier this year, Markham discontinued boulevard patios for public safety reasons. On Monday, the towns general committee will vote on a staff recommendation to prohibit parking on the west side of the street at all times, except from 6 to 9 a.m. Monday to Friday. If passed, about 25 street parking spaces could be lost during peak business hours, Mr. Hamilton said, adding that many merchants on the street already feel there arent enough parking spaces on the east side of the street, behind the shops. If parking stays, Mr. Hamilton said there will be no point at Tuesdays council meeting in considering allowing outdoor patios during summer. According to a staff report, the parking prohibition is recommended to address safety concerns for pedestrians and patio users as well as concerns with obstructed sightlines for vehicles turning off and onto the street. The weekday morning parking allowance is to allow temporary parking during non-peak hours for customers attending the two existing coffee shops on the street. Markham council will also consider a proposed encroachment agreement to allow patios on the street over the summer and into the fall this year. Requirements proposed in the agreement include a $2-million liability insurance (naming the town as an additional insured party) and a submission of a detailed patio plan. Its proposed that smoking and amplified music not be permitted on the patios. Mr. Hamilton said he doesnt mind the patio or the parking either way. Im for safety and Im glad this has surfaced so we can address it, he said.

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Patio vs. parking debate in Unionville