'Parking is a challenge':Parking problem crack downs coming to Seacliff Park in Leamington

The Municipality of Leamington is cracking down on vehicles parked in non-designated areas in and around Seacliff Park.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald believes the issue has become more prevalent as of late thanks to recent enhancements made at the park and beach, attracting more people to the area.

"The success of Seacliff Park has just made the traffic and the parking an issue," MacDonald said.

"And we're proud of it. We're happy about it. But, you know, with those great things, there are always little challenges, and parking is a challenge."

MacDonald explained the Municipality has seen an increase of vehicles parked in non-designated areas, despite many warning signs posted in the neighbourhood.

She said despite ongoing enforcement efforts and warnings, the problem has persisted, causing disruptions and safety concerns.

No Parking sign at Seacliff Park in Leamington, June 27, 2024. (Chris Campbell / CTV Windsor)

"It needs to be regulated because there are people that abuse the system."

MacDonald told CTV News that effective immediately, any vehicle found parked in areas not designated as legal parking spaces at or around Seacliff Park will be subject to towing at the owner's expense, in addition to receiving applicable parking fines.

"We'll be enforcing this weekend and it's going to go beyond that," MacDonald stated. "There's rules for efficiency for emergency vehicles and it just needs to be done."

The mayor said that while they're pleased with the popularity of Seacliff Park, the rules still need to be followed, suggesting there are alternative parking options nearby.

"Council is looking at acquiring more property for parking. When we have our concert, we certainly ask people to park other places, and then they can get Leamington Transit on the app to come and pick them up. We have we have mechanisms in place for that."

MacDonald added that if the issue continues that the Municipality may have to implement parking fees in the area, similar to those in other communities.

"It's free parking right now, but we're certainly going to look at paying for parking at some point in time. I spent a weekend Niagara on the Lake a few weeks ago, $5 an hour to park. Our CAO was in Banff, $6 an hour to park. I park at Dieppe Park, I'm paying per hour to park. And again, we develop the waterfront for visitors as well as our own people. It's not a bad revenue generator when you do things like that. It's not a ton of money. But again, that's a conversation council has not had yet. It is an option that we more than likely will be looking at."

Organizers of Leamington's 150th anniversary celebrations this weekend are also urging motorists to arrive early to find proper parking.

"You know it's going to be a lot of people down here, so come early," said Michelle Fortier.

Tow-away zone sign at Seacliff Park, Leamington on June 27, 2024. (Chris Campbell / CTV Windsor)

"There is going to be some parking down at Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Center. You can go down there. I do know that there is the LTGO bus. The Leamington On Demand bus that could help. So there's a few options. And we just want everybody to bring their lawn chairs and have a great time."

Fortier added, "It's going to fill up very quick. It's going to be a nice weekend. Everybody's going to be excited to get down here. We've got people coming from all over Essex County and beyond, across into the States and everything else."

Those with further questions can contact the Municipality's By-law Enforcement Department at 519-326-5761.

- With files from AM800 News