Homeowners express frustration with CTrain riders parking on residential streets

Finding parking is a daily chore for commuters in Calgary.

Once the CTrain parking lot is full, many drivers resort to residential parking — much to the disappointment of homeowners.

Residents expressed frustration to CityNews that the constant cars in front of their homes can prevent people from putting out their trash cans, or parking their third car, or not leaving space for visitors. Some say it is just plain annoying.

If a recent note left on a car parked near Saddletowne Station in the city’s northeast is any indicator, frustration looms large.

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“I’ve seen parking over there at the train station, there’s usually spots,” says one resident who lives near the station in Saddletowne. “It just seems that this is an easier getaway for people to park and walk 30 seconds.”

“I think if anything, they should extend the parking lot at the train station. But we definitely need parking passes for residences, and signs that say no parking without permit.”

Despite the frustration, commuters who are faced with full parking lots and choose to leave their vehicles on residentials streets aren’t breaking any rules.

“It’s everybody’s city,” says Todd Sullivan, leader of parking patrol and investigation at Calgary Parking. “Nobody owns the curb space. Not the residents, and not the commuters.”

He says the city tries to balance the needs of everyone as best they can.

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READ MORE: Why some Calgarians are still getting tickets for parking on street after cleaning

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One homeowner says they have made attempts to reach out to local representatives about the issue, but so far nothing has been done.

Sullivan says the first step for any changes related to parking would be to contact 311 and explain to them what the problem is.

“Explain to them what you are looking for in your location and they’ll walk you through the process,” he says.

In the meantime, the struggle for parking spaces will continue.