CUPE believes it can enhance parking services in the City of Windsor while helping to reduce crime.
Local 543 President Jason Parent says "parking ambassadors" have been a success in several other cities and could be an asset in Windsor as well.
As a cost cutting measure, parking enforcement was contracted out to Commissionaires Ottawa in 2010 — that contract expires at the end of the year and Parent believes it's the perfect time to start an ambassadors program.
In addition to ticketing, the ambassadors provide more eyes on the street while acting as tour guides for those looking for information about the city.
Parent says the program could play a part in fighting crime in the city's core.
"Back when we had it in house, I can remember times where, "Can you have the police come here? Somebody has had their purse stolen." It's just that extra set of eyes, that extra uniform that's walking around, just gives that little bit of safety for the core that is missing in the city right now."
AM800 file photo
He says it's all about building a relationship with the community.
"I know, personally, when I did do the job back in 1994 or 1995 we had four individuals that were deployed in the downtown core. That was a big thing. You got to know the businesses. You got to know the residents that were down in the core and going forward that's what we're looking for."
Parent says parking enforcement is often seen in a negative light.
"Going with the name parking ambassador, it takes away the negative tone of enforcement. Kind of gives the opportunity for individuals to look to somebody and say, "Where's a nice restaurant? How do I get to the 401? How do I get to the airport?" and such."
A contract renewal with Commissionaires Ottawa has been deferred while city administration investigates CUPE's parking ambassadors proposal.
A report is due back to council at its November 5 meeting.