Dundas seniors push back against paid visitor parking at apartment building

Residents of a predominantly senior building in Dundas were up in arms after the property manager implemented paid visitor parking.

Over the weekend a petition racked up over 130 signatures demanding the parking spots go back to normal.

By all accounts, the Governors Estates in Dundas is a great apartment building to live in.

“That’s the reason why we came over this way. One of the reasons is because it’s so clean, well taken care of. And the superintendents are fabulous,” said resident Steve Gillians.

But a few weeks ago the residents were given notice that their guests would have to start paying to use the 20 visitor parking spots.

“It was extremely upsetting and embarrassing to have to call our friends and tell them that they are going to have to be charged, they’re going to be charged for parking,” said Gillians.

“St. Joseph’s Villa is right there, so many people come here because this is their place, their last place. So I think this is completely unfair to the community. It’s not very community of Amelin. So I really hope that they do the right thing,” said resident Lana Kupery.

Residents say the parking rates are even a little steep, $2 for an hour, $6 for overnight.

So they started a petition, and the response from the residents – most of them seniors – was fierce.

“The response was incredible. 131 signatures in 48, 72 hours. So that shows you how strongly people feel about this,” said Kupery.

Amelin Property Management told residents it was because people were abusing the free parking areas for long term or unauthorized parking.

A few hours after CHCH NEWS visited the apartment, the company sent us a statement.

“After listening to the feedback and concerns of our residents, we will be limiting paid enforcement of visitor parking to overnight hours only, not during the day.”

The residents CHCH News spoke with consider this a win.

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