The Hamilton Seniors’ Advisory Committee (SAC) spent over 30 minutes of their two-hour June meeting discussing the hot button of all hot buttons: on street parking.
Tamara Fernandes, adult daughter of SAC Member Carolann Fernandes presented to the Committee requesting they lobby City Council to implement new on-street parking regulations to restrict the use of on-street parking in front of houses to the adjacent homeowner.
She stated that on-street parking is at a premium in her parent’s neighbourhood, and says that nearby renters are parking on the street. She stated the City of Hamilton will not ticket these individuals because on-street parking in non-permit areas is available to everyone.
Neighbourhoods can request permit parking, with permit holders paying an annual fee – but permits are restricted to residents, something she said should change.
Tamara said allowing anyone to use on-street parking makes it harder for seniors to age in place.
“My father and other seniors in the neighbourhood have regular visits by personal support workers, nurses and other caregivers. These supports ensure that they are bathed, fed and maintain their dignity and independence. Medical professionals also administer life-saving medicines and healthcare. My father and other seniors in the neighbourhood also rely on emergency care by paramedics,” she stated.
“You’re not allowed to assign your permit parking to a personal support worker, a nurse, or other family members who are caregivers, so the purpose of making it no parking is thereby eliminated.”
Many members of the Committee expressed support for the idea of restricting on street parking and reserving spaces for the adjacent homeowner, and the Committee will be studying the issue.
These types of discussions routinely occur, especially in new suburban communities. The proposals have not proceeded into policy due to logistical roadblocks such as how to resolve reservations on streets with single side parking with monthly side changes.
Ultimately, as with all parking debates, the reality is parking requires physical space, many households have multiple cars, and nobody wants to pay for parking.
I’ll keep an eye on this as it moves through the Seniors Committee process.
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Published: June 13, 2026
Last updated: June 13, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
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