World parking professionals leave a Banff legacy

July 7, 1999
Source: Canada News Wire
Original story - link verified on August 22, 2000

Parking professionals from around the world gathered at the World Parking Symposium in Banff, Alberta, June 27 to July 1 to share common experiences, develop understanding of issues and determine the industry needs for the new millennium. The Symposium gathered representatives from over twenty countries including China, England, Indonesia, Portugal, Australia, Malaysia, the United States and Canada. Delegates agreed that the estimated $1,000 billion industry is more than about parking vehicles. The parking industry is integrated with urban design planning, transportation and traffic demand management. A major outcome of this meeting was the development of a statement of principles designed to improve quality of life through providing high quality services to customers. Participants took part in a practical application of the key parking principles by developing solutions for the Banff Parking Puzzle. Robert Taylor, a Director of the World Parking Symposium, designed this legacy for residents of the hosting community. He said, ``The Banff Parking Puzzle gave symposium participants an opportunity to share ideas, develop practical solutions and have fun while experiencing the hospitality of Banff.'' Parking solutions were shared with the Mayor of Banff, Council members and town officials. After considering the ideas generated by the symposium participants, Mayor Dennis Shuler said, ``This is the most productive two hours I have spent since I've been Mayor.'' The World Parking Symposium is an international think tank that acts as a venue for participants to discuss and present their knowledge and technology. It is organized by the Canadian Parking Foundation and is held every two years in locations throughout the world.

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