Parking problems on Hamilton Mountain's West 4th Street

Robert Cooper and Tom Spironello say they are frustrated.

The West 4th residents say students attending nearby Mohawk College have been parking in front of their driveways for more than two years and no one will do anything about it.

I've had a number of situations where cars would park in front of my driveway, completely blocking it," Cooper said. I've called the city and they won't respond."

One hour of on-street parking is permitted on the west side of the street near his home.

Cooper noted the problem became acute about a year ago when he wanted to take his father who wasn't feeling well to the hospital and a car was blocking his driveway.

The west Mountain resident said he ended up driving over the sidewalk and curb to get around the illegally parked vehicle, resulting in $2,500 in damage to the underside of his car.

My councillor (John-Paul Danko) wouldn't do anything," Cooper said, adding city risk management officials also refused to consider any compensation.

Cooper said the problem began in 2018 and while it has lessened since the coronavirus pandemic restricted access to Mohawk's Fennell campus, he's concerned the illegal parking could return in the fall.

I've had a car parked here all day and the city won't do anything about it," he said. I find it hard to believe when a car blocks your driveway it won't be towed."

Cooper noted Mohawk College used to have a liaison committee that worked with neighbours to address their concerns, but it no longer exists.

We now have leadership at the college who don't live in the city," he said. It's very frustrating. I expect a level of engagement from my councillor on this to solve these problems. I expect Mohawk College to care."

Spironello concurs with his next-door neighbour.

Nothing has been done," said the retiree who noted he used to have a BMW but got rid of it and bought an SUV so he could get out over the curb when cars are blocking his driveway.

Danko said he is well aware of the parking issue on West 4th.

Each time Mr. Cooper has contacted our office we have ensured that bylaw is informed," he said." It is my understanding that bylaw is following city policy to ticket and or tow at their discretion. As the ward councillor I have no authority nor would it be appropriate for me to direct enforcement staff."

Danko noted the city is looking to extend the contract of the area's dedicated college enforcement officer for another 12 months to continue proactive parking enforcement in the neighbourhood when full in-class learning resumes.

Mohawk spokesperson Bill Steinburg noted the college regularly communicates with students, including through the students' association, to emphasize the importance of good citizenship and being a good neighbour."

Steinburg said the community liaison committee has evolved over a number of years and has always been a city-led initiative.

A community open house was in the works prior to the pandemic restrictions and was cancelled.

As with much else, how and when to resume these sorts of event has to be reconsidered during a pandemic," Steinburg said.

James Buffett, the city's manager of parking enforcement and school safety, said homeowners can call 905-540-6000 to report a vehicle blocking their driveway and parking staff will be dispatched.

We have the ability to issue a parking penalty notice or tow a vehicle in the case of the homeowner needing to exit their property and are unable to," Buffett said. Partial obstructions that still provide room for a vehicle to exit would not result in a tow but may still result in a parking penalty notice."

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: After reading our March 18 story about the city's Vision Zero Action Plan, West 4th resident Robert Cooper contacted us about an issue on his street and we wanted to follow up.