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Drivers who have experienced the frustration of getting out of Evraz Place after a big event could soon see some changes to bring relief.
Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), which operates Evraz Place, is putting public feedback from a survey into action to improve the parking at the sports complex and exhibition grounds.
The majority of people who responded to the survey reported finding parking within five to 10 minutes, but 75 per cent said they want to see shorter wait times to get out of the parking lots. Three in 10 people said it takes 20 to 30 minutes to get out and 18 per cent said it takes up to 40 minutes.
One of the top priorities and short-term plans to improve parking is to extend traffic light times at the Lewvan Drive, Princess Street and Elphinstone Street exits during major events. According to REAL, this strategy was used successfully during the Memorial Cup.
Some of the other “quick wins” include emphasizing more training for parking attendants to better direct traffic flow and to point drivers to designated areas for specific recreational groups that use the facilities regularly. Another short-term priority is to move visiting team buses away from the south side of the Brandt Centre where they currently contribute to traffic congestion.
“Awareness and understanding is a first step – we know we have a significant gap between actual and expected exit wait times. While we won’t be able to resolve this situation overnight, we are committed to address it,” REAL President and CEO Tim Reid said in a news release, noting that during peak times is still a challenge.
Some of the long-term solutions identified in the survey and as part of the plan include working with the city to look at adding a new left-turning lane by the Lewvan Drive exit. Depending on the budget, REAL will also look into repaving the parking lots and marking parking stall lines and pedestrian walkways more clearly.
The other improvements include setting up safe drop off and pick up zones for taxis and ride-sharing services and looking into more partnerships for park and ride programs to encourage off-site parking.