Free Christmas parking downtown could be parting gift from outgoing Penticton city council

PENTICTON – Penticton’s outgoing mayor and council have an opportunity to provide residents with a Christmas present as one of their last acts.

A staff recommendation slated for the final regular meeting of council on Tuesday, Oct. 30, asks for approval for free on-street parking in the downtown area for the five Saturdays in December.

City bylaw supervisor Tina Siebert says in a report to council the initiative promotes downtown shopping and showcases the recent revitalization Main Street downtown.

The city has approved no charge on-street parking in past years as a Christmas promotion, at the request of the Downtown Penticton Association, who sent a letter of request this year as well.

Paid parking would still apply to city and private parking lots.

It is anticipated the weekend parking freebies will cost the city roughly $5,000.

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