H.R.M. Regional Parking Strategy Functional Plan

Project Description
As set out in the HRM Regional Municipal Planning Strategy, The HRM Regional Parking Strategy is one of the functional plans feeding into the Transportation Master Plan. A key component of the project was to study the role parking played in transportation demand management. As noted in the Regional Plan, the goals the parking strategy functional plan considered are as follows:

• Balancing the needs of the business, service and tourism sectors with transportation objectives;
• Developing an overall direction for parking in both the Capital District and outlying business employment and retail centers;
• Incorporating on-street parking policies into the overall strategy;
• Examining methods of reducing parking demand;
• Investigating financial incentives to reduce the demand for parking, particularly commuter-related parking;
• Establishing maximum, as well as minimum parking standards and encouraging shared parking between uses; and
• Developing policies and criteria that can permit a reduction in the requirements for automobile parking when bicycle parking is provided in a development.

Services Provided
Terrain, in collaboration with IBI Group, acted in both the research and public consultation components of the study. Terrain was responsible for developing the research strategy, completing fieldwork, and providing local, ‘on the ground’ information and resources to the project. Terrain also participated in Steering Committee and Stakeholder Consultation meetings, Public Open Houses, and various other consultation events. As part of this project, Terrain also applied their skills with respect to the HRM Regional Planning Strategy and HRM Regulatory environment, ensuring the project retained a focus on and reflected the goals and policies set out the Plan. It is anticipated that the project recommendations will be brought forward to HRM Council in the fall of 2007.