However, Coun. Steve Lehman said he sees the surface lot issue as more nuanced. An owner of a downtown clothing store with its own on-site parking, Lehman said he often hears from businesses who say a lack of downtown parking is keeping new businesses away.

"The Number One barrier preventing companies from moving their businesses downtown is parking and a lack of it," said Lehman.

This isn't accurate at all. Parking spaces will just be taken up by those working downtown and then you're in the same spot. Not enough parking for people who actually want to shop. What needs to happen is more foot traffic. Make it easy for people to walk and be downtown without having to rely on a vehicle.

Take the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane for example. At it's core is a central hub for bus transfers. There is no parking in the immediate area, and it drives a whole tonne of foot traffic. That place is busy and there is always something going on.

People bring business. Cars don't.