Pre-2009 budget discussions at the council table this week centred on ideas such as temporary layoffs, cutting services and programs, and even examining the impact of closing down city hall operations (except emergency services) for an unspecified period of time.

Also back on the table is the proposal to raise municipal parking rates and install meters in commercial areas that currently enjoy free downtown parking, including Stoney Creek and Waterdown. Off-street parking, such as in the municipal lot off Mill Street North, would not be immediately affected, if the recommendations are implemented.

According to a consultant’s report presented by staff, the city would shell out some $230,000 to install the meters. Staff estimate that the revenue generated would be $1.3 million a year, which would be split between the city and the Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). The report presentation did not include the estimated cost of enforcing the new parking bylaws in both areas or the cost of hiring consultants to prepare the study.

The idea of implementing paid parking in the Waterdown core is not a new one. In council’s previous incarnation, former Ward 2 councillor Andrea Horwath argued fervently for harmonization of the parking policy across the city, and was defeated. Discussed amid the acrimony surrounding the removal of the Flamboro Slots revenues from Ward 14 and 15 earlier this year, the issue was quietly deflected in anticipation of the consultant’s report.

Frankly, the plan reflects a nickel-and-dime mentality and should be buried for good.

The bottom line is that while a harmonized approach to parking fees may make sense on paper, businesses in each of the city’s areas are facing different challenges based on more than simple geography.

Businesses in Waterdown are still braced for the full impact of the big-box complex at Clappison’s Corners (which offers acres of free parking), not to mention the retail drought forecast for the coming months. And while the argument can be made that local specialty shops will in fact benefit from an increase in traffic thanks to the commercial giants coming to town, it’s unlikely that those heading to the huge discount retail outlets will be inclined to patronize an establishment if they have to dig for an extra few dollars to feed the meter.

Businesses along Hamilton, Main, Dundas and Mill Streets with limited –or non-existent –parking will suffer, to the point where they will move or close their doors -just take a look at the city core for a point of reference. Either way, those vital business taxes will go with them. And the city definitely can’t afford that.