Casino Parking Debacle

[ToddT]

Just thought I'd pre-emptively make a thread about the parking fiasco that will be occurring this coming weekend. (April 7th-9th.)

Events:
April 5th - opening of Cascades Casino and Match Eatery and kids baseball evaluation camp
April 7th - Fest Of Ale and Vees Game 5
April 8th - Fest Of Ale, Gun Show, and Weezer concert
April 9th - Gun show only

There may be other/more events I'm not aware of. I find the whole situation comical if you're wondering why I've created this.

Any guesses on the most chaos? I'm thinking Friday night, though Saturday around noon could be a treat.

[pentona]

Just thought I'd pre-emptively make a thread about the parking fiasco that will be occurring this coming weekend. (April 7th-9th.)

Events:
April 5th - opening of Cascades Casino and Match Eatery and kids baseball evaluation camp
April 7th - Fest Of Ale and Vees Game 5
April 8th - Fest Of Ale, Gun Show, and Weezer concert
April 9th - Gun show only

There may be other/more events I'm not aware of. I find the whole situation comical if you're wondering why I've created this.

Any guesses on the most chaos? I'm thinking Friday night, though Saturday around noon could be a treat.

Never fear ToddT; the city is providing free bus pickups around the area as they know parking will be a mess this weekend.

What should have happened is that the Casino owners should have been required to build a full parkade for their patrons.

[ToddT]

I think a lot of the problem would be alleviated if they extended bus service past 10pm. I'm not sure of the cost analysis of that though. I know I would use the bus if it was viable during later hours.

[pentona]

I think a lot of the problem would be alleviated if they extended bus service past 10pm. I'm not sure of the cost analysis of that though. I know I would use the bus if it was viable during later hours.

Agreed, ToddT, re the bus situation; thats if people will use it; I hope they do.

By the way, I wonder if the SOEC will be implementing pay parking (10 bucks) for the Weezer Concert on Saturday? They normally do charge for major concerts. That usually goes for the entire parking lot(s) around there, so how will Casino patrons get around that one?

[fall]

Parking was non existent this weekend, well at least Saturday when I went to the visitor info centre to get some wine. Had the Vees crowd taking up the majority of the designated info centre area.
Then went over to the community centre to do a swimming drop off and what do you know, the Vees fans have taken all the spots there also.
The handicap spots were empty so I just parked in one of those.

[ToddT]

Parking was non existent this weekend, well at least Saturday when I went to the visitor info centre to get some wine. Had the Vees crowd taking up the majority of the designated info centre area.
Then went over to the community centre to do a swimming drop off and what do you know, the Vees fans have taken all the spots there also.
The handicap spots were empty so I just parked in one of those.

And to think that was just for the Vees game. Add in all of the other events. Every lot in the area will be full.
I'm sure some will be parking at the Sandman, and at King's Park. King's Park will likely be full all weekend just from soccer starting, let alone all of this other traffic. It will certainly flow into side streets.

[ToddT]

By the way, I wonder if the SOEC will be implementing pay parking (10 bucks) for the Weezer Concert on Saturday? They normally do charge for major concerts. That usually goes for the entire parking lot(s) around there, so how will Casino patrons get around that one?

That is interesting. I imagine the Casino has designated lots that will be dedicated to casino and restaurant parking only, but policing that will be a nightmare.

[GordonH]

Most cities don't look at worst case scenario when it comes to available parking.

Here in Kelowna if:
● Rockets game or major concert
● Performance at Mary Erwin theatre
● Something at Community theatre
● big event at yacht club
● large Casino night

If all these happen on the same evening parking is a nightmare

Of course I am happy I"m within walking distance of prospera for my Rockets games.

[twobits]

It is all a result of a geographic catchment area that drives the need for personal automobiles to get around efficiently and the lack of a population mass that makes public transit impractical and cost prohibitive to compete with the automobile. Charging ten bucks to park at the SOEC will convert a few to public transit....if it is available......but it will also deter an equal number to just not attend cuz they don't want to pay for the parking and public transit is just not an option. For myself, public transit would be an hour each way at least. I am not willing to sacrifice two hours of my spare time to save ten bucks and I think a lot of people have the same rational.

[ToddT]

If it was about the ten bucks I'd take a taxi. For me it's more about going downtown or to a pub with friends and being able to have more than two beers on a night out. I refuse to drink and drive but if there was a bus service I might be inclined to head out.

With regards to the parking, I love it, I'm glad it's busy. I foresee a lot of blue hairs getting cranky about it though.

[Whyme2]

So, how is the parking and new Casino?

[lasnomadas]

I thought the new casino was supposed to have been built out on the PIB land. So, why did they spend all last summer building that bridge out there?

[blueliner]

I thought the new casino was supposed to have been built out on the PIB land. So, why did they spend all last summer building that bridge out there?

Why ?? because the PIB held the Penticton hostage in regards to something about there traditional lands . But if the city of Penticton < ie the tax payers> paid the PIB a large sum of $$$ for a long term the PIB claim or demand went away for now .
But if I was a beating person sure PIB will be back at the table with more demands .

[lasnomadas]

I doubt it, since that ship has already sailed, so to speak.