The availability of alternative transportation to service historically existing mixed use neighbourhoods and the type of housing to be provided allows for the elimination of the requirement for on site parking. As noted in the Ottawa study:

“[P]arking reductions would balance the needs of public transit customers, pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle users by focusing reductions on those areas whose urban context make walking, cycling and transit practical options, now or in the short-to- medium term.” (Ottawa parking review 2015-2017 http://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents.ottawa.ca/files/documents/mi n_parking_en.pdf)

The owner will be re-adapting a building with rental residential units that range in size and can be considered an alternative residence to the single, detached residence. The subject building is located in close proximity to the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, and Mason Education Centre for adult education. In my professional opinion and in consideration of the style of housing, it is contemplated that tenants will not own cars but will depend on the municipal bus system, bike trail system, walking, using taxis, or shared driving accommodations.

Prior to entering into a lease agreement, tenants will be advised that there is no on-site parking. The perspective tenant will either find other accommodation or they will agree to provisions within the tenant agreement identifying that there is no on-site parking available for the tenants.

The Windsor Official Plan contemplates parking relief for neighbourhoods such as the one the subject building is located, and these policies allow City Council to “establish off street parking standards to reflect public transportation supportive designs or shared parking arrangements in Mixed Use developments.”

Should a tenant wish to have a car, the tenant could purchase a municipal parking pass to park in one of the municipal parking lots. Given the likelihood that anyone who owns a car will not rent an apartment within the proposed development, there should be little demand placed upon existing parking facilities.

The adaptive re-use of the structure will consist of the upgrade and modernization of the existing second floor, 4 residential units. Also, the renovations will include the conversion of the main floor, 3 commercial units to 3 new residential units, and the conversion of a portion of the basement to a new residential apartment. An apartment will be incorporated into the basement while the remaining portion of the basement will continue as general storage and bike storage below grade in the basement. The conversion will support the adaptive, re-use of the existing building and provide for alternative residential apartment units, a needed housing style in Windsor.