Its often said just how much a parking space adds to the cost of a condo … think there’s any way that this would lead to a commensurate drop in cost?
No?
Ya, didn’t think so. But with less and less car ownership its nice to see a corresponding shift in condo design.
Instead of a parking space, residents will be gifted a lifetime membership to Car2Go, $500 toward Car2Go minutes, a $500 Visa gift card toward Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a Biria “Easy Boarding” bicycle, underground storage and bike lockers and one year of free high-speed internet.
Due to the building’s close proximity to the city centre, residents may find they don’t need a vehicle to get to some of the city’s biggest destinations. The LRT is just steps away, as is the Central Library and City Hall, a Loblaws, a shopping centre, the St. Patrick’s Island park and numerous restaurants.
What about Vancouver’s very own Modo car co-op. Vancouver City Council did a lot of work in the past to get them established. I believe Tracey Axelson started it as her SFU thesis project. They are the only Group to offer a wheelchair accessible van.
For those who haven’t been to Calgary (nor seen our suburban sprawl which is probably the geographic spread of Metro Vancouver. ), this is a major step for Calgary, to offer a downtown condo building with no parking stall option.
Not having a car when Calgary’s winters do annually, include some winter days -24 to -40 degree C, is a huge leap for many locals. (I’ve met a lot more locals who have worked in the Arctic (in winter, not a summer job), than I ever did, when I lived in Vancouver or Toronto. Hmmm, I wonder why…) Having car2go option has been great for locals who really do need that option for local transport.
I live downtown. When I told the real estate agent, I didn’t have a car, he was shocked. I already told him my employer was located by the LRT downtown. LRT is only 15 min. walk away from the building. Choice of 3 different grocery chain stores each 15-20 min. walk away. He tried..to make a deal with me with a discount for the home.
Good thing I didn’t accept it. Afterwards, I realized he lowballed the value of parking stall. I caved in and included the parking stall. I’ve been renting out for last few yrs. 🙂
It all sounds lovely till you watch people circle the block looking to park the cars planners tell us they don’t need. (I’m looking at you West End).
Bob; the City is conducting a survey on parking in the West End and they want to hear from you. Just over a week left to let them know what you think.
http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/west-end-parking-survey.aspx