Last night, I attended a concert at Massey Hall. In the past, parking was never a huge issue in this area. I had always parked on Church Street, in a parking lot just north of Dundas Street East.
Over the years, parking has become more limited. Some parking lots have been replaced by buildings in this area. Yes, I'm referring to the expansion of the Toronto Metropolitan (formerly Ryerson) University campus.
My preferred location is a Green P underground parking lot at Yonge-Dundas Square. With the concert taking place on a Saturday evening, I knew that it would be difficult finding parking there. I was right. A gate was down to indicate that the lot was full.
Did I have a plan B? Sure thing. I hit this parking lot, which I now know that it's called Unit Park. It's across from the Bond Street Hotel.
Of note, I also have plans C and D. If they had all failed, I would have been extremely concerned!
I got to Unit Park and nabbed a vacant spot facing Dundas Street East, at the very corner of Bond Street. It was a good evening.
I have parked at this lot in the past years ago. Prices are more expensive here because it's considered hotel parking. It explains why it's not necessarily my first choice. However, the location is decent to get to Massey Hall, Eaton Centre, and more.
During weekday hours, you do get an attendant who will collect your money and issue you a ticket. However, on weekends, you get payment kiosks. It was pretty busy by the time that I got there. There was a huge family using the left one and a couple using the right one.
The family moved away en masse. I got to use the left kiosk. It was straightforward. You enter your licence plate number. The only option I got was to pay $20 for parking till 6 am. It is more expensive to park here. However, $20 isn't horrible to park for 12 hours in a touristy area.
I paid with a credit card. My card was validated and the transaction went through fine. I got a ticket that you place on your car's dashboard. Easy peasy!
I locked my car and was in the area for over five hours. I did touristy things. I shopped. I browsed. I saw a concert. I returned to my car.
I always feel safe in this area. This lot is brightly lit. I was happy to return to my car and head home after a fairly long, but fun day out and about.
Should I end up not finding a parking spot at my preferred lot again, I'd be happy to return to this one to park my car.
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