People who work in Ladysmith’s downtown are being asked to use public off-street parking lots and leave the street-stalls for shoppers and tourists.
“We would like to ask that all business people, owners and employees please park in the designated parking lots and not on First Avenue and side streets,” says a ‘friendly reminder’ from the LDBA.
There are 58 “off-site” parking stalls either owned or leased by the Town of Ladysmith; 513 on-street spaces according to Ladysmith’s Infrastructure Department. Of those 171 spaces are on First Avenue; 148 are west of First Avenue and 138 are east. An additional 56 spaces are located around the High Street ball field.
Off-street parking is available between High and Gatacre streets below First (access off Gatacre); behind the Travellers Hotel, up from First; Roberts Street between First Ave. and Esplanade (access off the south side of Roberts).
Finding the three public off-street lots should be easy enough with new signs that have been provided by the Town of Ladysmith as part of its ongoing program to upgrade signage.
The LDBA reminder notes that the success of the ‘Try Ladysmith First’ promotion depends on residents being able to find adequate parking near the businesses and shops they are going to.
“Ease of parking is directly related to customer traffic in our stores and businesses, the more easily a customer finds a parking spot near their intended destination, the more likely they are to patronize that business,” says the LDBA, adding: “And we can always use happier customers and more business.”