In the past two years the Kootenay Carshare Cooperative has had to relocate four vehicles due to parking complaints from neighbours. Our vehicles are parked in a block where a member lives (and would have their own car) but not always right in front of the correct house since over 150 people in Nelson are potentially driving that car.
Our office has received irate messages about our vehicles being parked in “their” spot. However, street parking is city-owned land and it’s not a right of the property owner to have the spot in front of their house. On top of that, they should be happy to see a Carshare vehicle on their block because it is replacing five to ten vehicles in the vicinity and actually making parking more available in the area.
Members are sacrificing convenience by walking perhaps several blocks to participate in a program that is affordable, versatile and reduces our environmental footprint. The complainants are having to park maybe a car length out of the way. This letter is a plea to all Nelson residents to take a moment before complaining about the Carshare vehicle being parked in “your” spot and take a moment to think about all of the benefits carsharing provides our community.
We are providing affordable alternatives to private vehicle ownership for people to access essential services in our region. We are contributing to community health and safety by promoting active transportation, increasing street safety and access to recreation and social opportunities. Finally, we are fostering a community of sharing that increases peer networks, innovation and resiliency. Hooray for Carshare! To leave some positive feedback please contact us at info@carsharecoop.ca. For more information on how to become a member visit our website at carsharecoop.ca.
Colleen Doyle
Kootenay Carshare Cooperative