Penticton parking fines to boost homeless housing campaign

PENTICTON – If you get a parking ticket in Penticton from now until the end of the month, you can have your fine donated to a local campaign to provide housing for the city's homeless population.

The city says in a media release until Dec. 31, motorists who get a parking ticket can choose to donate the fine to the 100 Homes Penticton campaign, a local initiative to provide housing for 100 people needing shelter by July 2018.

“Effective solutions to our region’s homeless challenges are on ongoing concern regardless of the time of year,” Mayor Andrew Jakubeit says in the release, adding the donations are a way for residents to pay it forward.

During the 20-day period, any parking or traffic ticket issued by the city will be changed to a warning if motorists donate the fine amount to 100 Homes Penticton.

The city says the offer applies to motorists disputing or paying their fine at city hall, speaking to the cashier or bylaw staff.

A cheque will be made out by the city at the end of December for all funds donated through parking fines to 100 Homes Penticton.

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