The tranquil escape of Edworthy Park, long cherished by Calgarians as a free recreational haven, is slated to become the city’s newest paid parking zone—a decision that has sparked considerable backlash from local residents and park enthusiasts.
Starting June 17, visitors to this popular riverside destination will face parking fees of $3.25 per hour or $16 for a full day, as the City of Calgary expands its paid parking program to include both the north and south lots at Edworthy Park. This development represents the latest expansion of Calgary’s ParkPlus system, which has gradually extended into the city’s recreational spaces.
“We recognize these are popular destinations, and we need to ensure turnover of parking spaces,” explained Eric MacNaughton, the City of Calgary’s mobility planning manager. “The revenue generated will be reinvested into park facilities and accessibility improvements.”
However, the plan has met with immediate resistance from regular park users who view the decision as an unwelcome financial barrier to accessing public green spaces. A petition opposing the fees has already gathered significant support online, with over 700 signatures in just days.
“This is another example of the city nickel-and-diming residents for basic services we already pay for through our taxes,” said Jennifer Carmichael, a nearby resident who visits the park weekly with her family. “Edworthy isn’t a tourist destination—it’s a neighborhood park that locals use regularly.”
The city’s parking strategy, initially approved in 2022, aims to address congestion and increase turnover at high-demand locations. Officials maintain that the program has successfully managed parking at other popular spots like Bowness Park, where similar fees were introduced last year.
City data suggests parking occupancy at Edworthy regularly exceeds 85 percent capacity during peak periods, a threshold officials cite as justification for implementing paid parking. The program will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with holiday exemptions.
Ward 6 Councillor Richard Pootmans has expressed understanding of constituents’ concerns while defending the policy’s rationale. “We need to balance accessibility with sustainability,” Pootmans noted in a statement to CO24 News. “The revenue helps maintain these valuable spaces for everyone’s enjoyment.”
Critics, however, question the timing of the announcement, coming just weeks before implementation and during a period when many Calgary families are already facing economic pressures from inflation and rising living costs.
Recreation advocate Sarah Woodhouse argues the decision represents a troubling trend. “Public parks should remain accessible to all citizens regardless of financial means,” she told CO24. “When you start charging for basic access to green spaces, you fundamentally change their nature as public goods.”
The city has indicated that alternatives such as improved public transit access and bicycle infrastructure are being developed alongside the parking changes. Additionally, officials note that the annual ParkPlus pass remains available for frequent users at $120 per year.
As implementation day approaches, the debate raises a fundamental question about urban public spaces: In our efforts to manage high-demand recreational areas, are we inadvertently creating financial barriers that undermine the democratic nature of our shared public spaces?
