Downtown business owner seeks changes to parking permit system

This image presented to council shows the proposed allocation of residential permit parking spaces in the cenotaph lot, which Henry Stolp says would provide closer, more accessible parking for downtown homeowners. The lot, previously used as a staging area during last year’s Downtown Dig, has since reopened to public parking.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A downtown Paris business owner is asking the County of Brant to revise its residential parking permit system, saying the current setup is making it difficult to sell newly built condominium units and meet the needs of residents living in the core.

Henry Stolp, owner of Northern Rudder Holdings and properties at 1–13 Grand River St. N., appeared before the administration and operations committee Tuesday, March 17, requesting several changes to improve access to parking closer to his building.

Stolp’s company demolished and rebuilt several properties in 2024, creating five residential condominium units and three commercial spaces. However, a lack of convenient parking has become a barrier.

“We have five vacant units and the hardest part for me to sell them is I can’t show them where the parking spots are,” he told council. 

Under the current pilot program, residential permit parking spaces are located primarily in municipal lots farther from the downtown core, including the former OPP station lot, which Stolp said is not practical for everyday use such as carrying groceries. 

His proposal calls for relocating 10 permit spaces to the cenotaph parking lot (Municipal Lot #3), aligning with earlier staff recommendations and council direction from 2024. He is also requesting amendments to allow property owners to lease spaces on behalf of residents, rather than limiting permits strictly to individual tenants.

Additional proposed changes include reducing the monthly permit fee from $120 to $90 plus HST and introducing annual payment options. 

Stolp noted there are at least 44 residential properties in the downtown area without on-site parking, underscoring a broader need for accessible and affordable options. His company has indicated it would initially lease five spaces and hold them until units are sold.

Council members acknowledged the concerns but pointed to wider issues affecting long-standing downtown residents and businesses.

Mayor David Bailey said parking challenges extend beyond new developments.

“Even before Henry came to us about parking, a business right next door to Henry that has been there for 50+ years and they live upstairs are still getting tickets,” Bailey said. 

“Last week I was in the front office with the man that owns the Chinese Restaurant with more tickets and I took them from him. They don’t have any place to park. I can’t imagine us doing anything for Henry until we do something for the man who has run a business and lived upstairs for over 50 years.” 

In response, Stolp said, “I had lunch at Jades last week and had a long conversation with Lenny the owner,” said Stolp.

“His biggest concern is not having parking in front of his store. I’m going to be making a presentation on his behalf with respect to that. I think there is a simple change we can make to accommodate him in front of his business,” said Stolp. 

Coun. John Bell questioned why council would not revert to its earlier direction to allocate spaces in the cenotaph lot, noting that the original plan had been altered due to the downtown infrastructure project.

Staff indicated there was no barrier to reconsidering that approach. Adam Crozier, general manager of strategic initiatives, said the initial plan could be revisited, adding that earlier consultations with the downtown business improvement area supported the concept at the time. 

Crozier also noted the current parking permit system is a one-year pilot project, with a broader review planned for later this year. 

A separate survey and analysis of downtown parking supply and demand is underway, with results expected by late spring or early summer. 

Council ultimately voted to receive Stolp’s presentation and directed staff to return with a report and recommendations at an upcoming meeting.