Some Rosemont residents are questioning a new permit-only parking zone that they say they weren’t consulted about - and aren’t convinced the changes are necessary. Roman Kocur says he got a surprise on his door earlier this month. “The city posted this notice,” he said, showing the note telling residents that part of 42e Avenue will soon be reserved for vehicles with parking vignettes. “I know a lot of people here that are either retired or just have small jobs with minimum wage,” he said. “You have to take into consideration now the price of gas, the cost of living. We’re not all the wealthiest here.” The city says the change follows at least four requests from residents in the section of 42e Avenue. A spokesperson says 10 of the 70 parking spaces will now be reserved for vignette holders. Annual vignette fees range from $125 to more than $200, depending on the vehicle, and can top $400 for households with multiple vehicles. The fees also bring in more revenue for the borough. Last year, the number of vignettes issued generated almost $945,000 in the borough, nearly 75 per cent more than in 2021. Kocur says that makes him question the city’s motives. “The city, I think, is just thinking of a cash grab,” he said. Kocur’s neighbour Sylvie Raza says she’s fortunate to have a driveway, but with little commerce in the area, adds she doesn’t see the need for more restrictions. “There’s no explanation,” she said. “There’s no reason for that.” She points to parking that has already disappeared nearby, such as on Bellechasse Street, where parking was removed to make room for bike lanes. With other permit-only stretches being added in the area, Raza says the combination is making it harder to live and park here. “It just gives us the want to go out of Montreal because all of that, it’s not easy anymore,” she said. Kocur previously fought a similar proposal under the former administration. “We made a petition, and it was rejected, and here we go,” he said. “They’re doing it again.” He says he’s hoping the city will reconsider before the new signs go up. The restrictions are expected to take effect on Oct. 1, along with changes on seven other streets in the borough.
