Ticketing, time and tension in campus lots
Photo by Bryan Weismiller. Starting at $40 apiece, getting multiple tickets can add up.
by Bryan Weismiller
News Editor
Mount Royal University’s parking problems are one of the school’s oldest and most-talked about issues.
University president Dave Marshall once said that “it’s one of those issues, nobody will ever be happy unless they can park right next to the building for free.”
With that in mind, The Reflector hit Main Street to find out what students are saying about the parking situation. Students’ complaints, were collected and emailed to Stefan Durston, Mount Royal parking and transportation services manager.
Here are some of the concerns students noted.
Danielle Kortmeyer
Danielle Kortmeyer, studying nursing said it’s tough to find a parking space, especially when it snows.
Stefan Durston: “The parking and transportation services department sells less open lot permits in the winter semester than it does in the fall semester.”
Angela Cabucos
Angela Cabucos from the communications deparment thinks parking is a get-rich- scheme.
SD: “By law, parking at Mount Royal cannot be funded by government grants or tuition fees.
“It must generate funds to cover its operating costs through permit sale.”
Karly Ranger
Karly Ranger, majoring in history, wants to know how she can appeal a ticket.
SD: “Any person wishing to dispute a traffic offence notice may come to the parking and transportation services office and fill out an administrative review form, which will be forwarded to the Calgary Parking Authority.”
Dallas Green.
Dallas Green in business asked if the new parking attendants are doing anything.
SD: “They are definitely helping as we have had a dramatic reduction in the number of people coming to the parking office counter frustrated that they have a permit and can’t find a space.”
Malcolm Nicholas.
Malcolm Nicholas in open studies said parking is too expensive.
SD: “Based on feedback from stakeholders including students, faculty and support staff and students through interviews, town halls and a transportation open house, the Transportation Advisory Committee worked to create our current parking model in 2009.
“It offers a choice of parking tiers for the many different parking needs.”
Another student, in business, who has since asked his name to be retracted asked what’s happening in Short- Term Lot 2?”
SD: “We are introducing a new pay on foot parking system in Lot 2. This new system involves a ticket dispenser and two indoor pay stations: one at the recreation entrance and one at West Gate.
“The new system enables people to only pay for the time they park in Lot 2, so if you park in Lot 2 for less than 30 minutes, parking is free.
“It is the same system that is used at places like the Calgary International Airport and it allows for us to provide a grace period or people who are making quick stops to pick up a friend or drop a book off at the library.
“It is convenient for users because they can just drive in and find a parking stall rather than having to stop at a dispenser and wait for a pay and display ticket.”
