Downtown parking

[tvp2003]

Started a new job (i.e. new location and different hours) and realized over the past couple of days that commuting downtown is a PITA, especially during the AM and PM rush hour. I realize this will probably be as bad as it gets (do to the weather and number of cars downtown), but the thought of driving is becoming a lot more appealing (I used to take the bus to my old job; now I'm taking the bus with a one stop c-train ride because of the weather).

How much should I expect to pay for an outdoor stall (not interested in paying $400+ for a heated underground stall)? I've been researching some options:

1) Park in a sketchy apartment building stall (covered but unsecured) about 1.5 blocks away. $200 a month.

2) Park in a private stall (unsecured) about 1.5 blocks away, but next to the Salvation Army building. $225 a month. Probably the best in terms of access in and out of the core.

3) Park in a private stall (unsecured) about 5 blocks away. $130 a month.

Which one would you pick (if any)?

[taco.vidal]

2 or 3 because you describe 1 as sketchy.

Did you check the City of Calgary website crimemap to see the vehicle breakins or thefts at each location?

Maybe post your general location and someone could give you some specific advice or other parking suggestions.

Id say that one unsecured lot is as safe or risky as another unsecured lot. But if a particular location feels sketchy, like if you think residents of the apartment building itself might break into your car then Id stay away.

[Northendzone]

is there a #4, #5 or #6?

[ranchlandsselling]

Also consider buying someone's monthly pass of kijiji. Some people get parking from work and then lease it off.

$400 heated underground parking? LOL. I'd like to see that deal in the downtown core!

[Kybosh]

If you're paying for it yourself, go for the cheapest option. If work is covering you, park at Banker's Hall.

[Muta]

I'd go with B. C sounds like too much work - 5 extra blocks for 5 more dollars per month? That'll be a pain in the ass during winter, believe me.

[photon]

One person I know parks in what they call a sketchy place, even had their car broken into once. Now they just leave it visibly empty and leave the doors unlocked, haven't had a problem since. I don't think they have a nice car though.

[fredr123]

I used to park in the unsecured parkade at 9th street and 9th avenue. On the way to my car in the evening, you would sometimes find people drinking in the stairwells. Although they never really hassled me, one time, I found what I would describe as a large fluffy pile of human feces in the middle of one flight of stairs.

So while the parking was among the cheapest options I could find, I did not factor in the need to be ever-vigilant so as to not step in a giant pile of people poo.

[tvp2003]

Not worried about the vehicle getting stolen or damaged (it's a bit of a beater); I work in the Municipal Building beside City Hall.

The "sketchy" apartment building ("A") is Rocky Mountain Court (it's not actually in the secured parkade but inside a covered but non-patrolled area which seems to me the perfect place for homeless people.

"B" is in the East Village. "C" is off MacLeod Trail South.

Originally Posted by Muta

I'd go with B. C sounds like too much work - 5 extra blocks for 5 more dollars per month? That'll be a pain in the ass during winter, believe me.

"C" is $130 a month, not $230. So basically saving $95 a month compared to "B" for a bit of an extra walk (it's also a slightly further drive as I'm coming from the opposing direction).