Prince George proves free downtown parking can work
KAMLOOPS — Let’s ban parking meters from downtown! Okay, now that I have your attention let me add, I’m serious.
Parking generates approximate $1.2 million in revenue for the City. Serious money indeed, and it might even cover the city’s payroll for four or possibly five days out of the year. But it is also a source of frustration for many and missed sales for downtown merchants.
Besides, you might be interested to know we wouldn’t be the first to abolish the long-despised meter or the less than user-friendly Kamloops parking kiosk. Prince George decided it would be a step in the right direction and made it part in their downtown revitalization plans. In the process, they learned a few lessons, made some adjustments, did some fine-tuning and, in the end, came up with a free parking system that works well.
Prince George began its meter-free program by imposing a 3-hour parking limit in the downtown core. To manage the time restrictions, bylaw officers began to chalk tires and would issue tickets to anyone staying beyond the limit.