New GO parking lot deal finalized

July 14, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
A new parking lot in King City will provide much-needed space for commuters. And the municipality is getting a sweetheart of a deal.
Metrolinx (operators of GO Transit) will create a parking lot at 20 Station Road. The land is owned by King Township and negotiations have been going on for two years to come up with this needed extra parking.
Metrolinx is now approaching the construction stage of the parking lot enhancement. They covering all costs. The design will see 71 permanent parking spaces, as well as walkways, lighting, landscaping, etc.
The agreement between the two partners grants Metrolinx a licence to build, maintain and manage the parking facility until May 30, 2030. King Township staff will continue to maintain and repair the portion of West Street for residents who rely on it for access to their properties.
King staff will monitor the progress and ensure this construction presents minimal impacts and disruption to residents and GO users.
It’s expected work will begin this month and it’s anticipated to be finished by October.
Clerk Kathryn Smyth did note in her report that “there will be considerable concessions that will have to be made to accommodate flexibility and latitude for GO users to park on the street during the construction phase.”
Both King and Metrolinx have agreed to let all users know about the disruption, and bylaw enforcement staff will exercise some leeway when issuing warnings or tickets. Efforts will be made to use and promote parking at nearby public facilities.
Metrolinx has also said they plan further parking expansion projects in the coming years.
“Staff acknowledges the efforts by Metrolinx staff to explore partnership opportunities with King, recognizing the inadequate parking and related pressures the Township and area residents experience due to the overuse of the station,” Smyth said. “The agreement … demonstrates the partnership commitment between King and Metrolinx to work collaboratively to resolve local impact pressures arising from public transit, creatively.”