Editor,
A parkade for the downtown is not a new idea. However, I suggest that building such a facility in wood involves some interesting advantages and possibilities -- not least for community economic development.
Even if there is not an immediate need, there may be interest for today's downtown area planning purposes in the concept of a parkade erected at a temporary location, then dismantled for re-use elsewhere. This can only be done in wood.
A May 2010 zoning bylaw working group discussed parking issues in the downtown. It was observed that on the community planning level, parking regulations in the zoning bylaw are encouraging sprawl. And providing for parking spaces on the ground floor of new buildings may allow only small commercial space or a façade in front and lead to taller buildings than otherwise necessary.
Current approaches are affecting streetscapes and the built environment of the downtown core.
All these factors lead to the need to accommodate a central, efficient parking area. As the downtown continues to increase the intensity of uses a parking structure appears to be a viable option.
Could the concept of a parking garage constructed of wood offer solutions to some of these issues?
Eric Andersen
