Definition of the word parkade

The word "parkade" is a relatively recent addition to the English language, and its origin can be traced back to the 1950s in Canada. The term was coined as an alternative to the American-inspired "parking garage," which didn't resonate well with Canadians due to its connotations of being a dark and unwelcoming space. Instead, "parkade" was adopted as a catchy and euphonious alias, reflecting the open-air nature of these structures. The term is a combination of "park" (meaning a place to park vehicles) and "ade" (meaning a structure that serves as a roof or cover), mirroring how these parking structures provide protection from the elements while still allowing for natural light and ventilation. The word became popular in Canadian English and is now commonly used in Canada, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta, where parkades are a common feature of modern urban development. In other parts of the world, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the term has not gained widespread usage and the more traditional "parking garage" remains the norm.