Several downtown churches in London express frustration over a recent city bylaw enforcement targeting free street parking for funeral services. St. Paul’s Cathedral Rector and Dean Kevin George disclosed that families holding funerals at the church were previously permitted to park vehicles and a funeral coach in front of the property using city-provided blue bags to cover parking meters. This practice aimed to keep families together during the procession to the cemetery, reflecting compassion and kindness towards those experiencing grief and vulnerability.
Following a funeral service last November, St. Paul’s staff discovered the parking bags missing from the meters, prompting George to contact the city for replacements. However, city officials informed him that the church would now be required to pay for parking meter bagging under the city’s bylaws, totaling over $100 per funeral. George criticized this change, deeming it as insensitive and small-minded, impacting families in delicate moments.
The City of London defended the parking fee policy, stating that all reserved parking spaces, as regulated by the bylaw, must adhere to the associated charges. Sean Steenbergen, Manager of Parking Services and Compliance, clarified that exemptions from these fees are not within their authority except under specific directives.
George emphasized the importance of transparency in the city’s policies, highlighting the sudden shift without prior communication. Despite having a parking lot, St. Paul’s accommodates approximately a dozen funerals annually, underscoring the challenge of limited parking space for grieving families. Similarly, First-St. Andrew’s United Church faced a similar scenario, where they previously utilized parking meter bags for funeral processions but were informed of the prohibition without clarity on the reason for the change.
The churches and funeral guests now bear the burden of parking costs, impacting the church’s community initiatives. While St. Paul’s intends to cover the parking expenses to support families during funerals, this decision poses challenges for their ongoing community programs. George affirmed their compliance with the law while expressing discontent with the situation.
