“Cash grab”: Northern businessman describes customers’ dismay over new paid parking rules

Businesses on the north side of the city on the park on Lonsdale Avenue, nearly a month in, are still not happy.

'Cash Grab': Northern business owner explains customer frustration over new parking fees

Posted October 16, 2025 7:40 am

Almost a month after the car wreck on Lonsdale Avenue north of the city, some small business owners are still sad.

On September 17, the city released the first phase of the "Room Availability and Parking Plan".

Click here to listen to 1130 NewsRadio Live!Hairdresser Hedi Sadagiani, who runs her shop in Lower Lonsdale, says the changes have caused "absolute panic" among some of her older customers.

"The issue is that many of these people don't even have a lot of oppines to put the program on. There are a few mobile phones for people who have information,"

She says she has developed a system to help customers identify parking programs and prepare them for use.However, in some cases Sadaghini will pay for parking on your behalf.

"People don't use credit card information. So, this is my compromise to not lose customers. This is my solution to not lose my customers.

Meanwhile, the city's director of transit, Jennifer Dere, said the turnaround is going well and admits there is a learning curve.

People are just getting used to the technology and using the pay channels, and the app it takes to have.

She says the city has hired "parking ambassadors" to help those struggling with the changes, and says the city is closely monitoring the program to make adjustments as needed.

While the city says the move was to ease parking problems in the area, Sadhaghiani says it feels like "just a penny pinching."