Despite a consultant’s report urging approval from business owners before a decision is made, city staff is asking councillors to move forward on the paid parking plan.

On Wilson Street East in Ancaster, free on-street parking is currently available for a maximum of two hours.

New parking meters are proposed for all of Hamilton’s commercial districts. Paid parking in Hamilton on Locke Street, downtown Stoney Creek, Ancaster and Waterdown, coupled with an increase of existing parking rates to $1 per hour could generate $1.3 million in annual revenues, according to a city report. Any parking profits can be used by the city to offset property tax increases.

In its final report to the city, consulting firm MMM Group urges the city to achieve 60 per cent support from business owners before initiating the paid parking plan.

But a city staff report supports an immediate $1 per hour flat rate, without the support requirement.

Parking rates currently vary across the city. On Concession Street, the hourly fee is 50 cents. In downtown Dundas the fee is 85 cents. Ancaster is one of the few downtown cores that still offers free on-street parking.

When the paid parking idea was first announced last year, some business owners said the fees would encourage customers to shop at the Ancaster Meadowlands, where free parking is abundant.

But other business owners said the meters could discourage drivers from occupying parking spaces for extended periods, making it easier for customers to find a spot.

Janice Leverton, co-owner of Ancaster Flower Shop, opposes the paid parking plan. Ms. Leverton said businesses in the Village Square Plaza often rely upon free on-street parking when the plaza parking lot fills up.

“We don’t think (paid parking) is a good idea,” Ms. Leverton said.

Andrew Kershaw, owner of the Rousseau House at 375 Wilson St. E., has a private parking lot for the exclusive use of restaurant patrons. If paid parking becomes a reality in the village core, Mr. Kershaw said people may go out of their way to avoid paying the fees.

“I may have to watch my parking lot a little more closely,” Mr. Kershaw said.

If councillors choose to support paid parking in Ancaster, the new BIA could be eligible for a portion of proceeds.

In its report, city staff also recommends a revenue sharing agreement with the Hamilton Association of Business Improvement Areas. Ancaster’s new BIA is expected to begin its mandate on Jan. 1, 2009.