The system leverages distance-sensing technology that we've seen before from Mercedes, Toyota, and the like, but requires a reflective lens on the garage wall to operate, which unfortunately precludes its use in public parking lots.

ENGADGET: Future BMWs will self-park in your garage

In recent years, the large public spaces and vacant parking lots were taken over by festivals.

BBC: The Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal's Broadway

Council member James Vacca, the chairman of the transportation committee, upbraided Department of Transportation officials at a public hearing earlier this spring, criticizing everything from restaurant delivery bikers to a rise in the cost of city parking lots.

WSJ: New PAC to Back Pedestrians, Bikes