You won’t have to plug a parking meter in Penticton until May 30

The City of Penticton is no longer charging for metered parking on city streets.

The City made the decision, effective today, March 25, in support of shorter visits to downtown businesses and to allow access to essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free parking is in effect until May 30.

“It also recognizes the current reduction in parking activity overall and reduced requirement to empty meters, thereby allowing our bylaw officers to respond to other more pressing needs across our community,” Mayor John Vassilaki says in a media release.

Vassilaki says the decision also recognizes the reduction in parking activity and resulting reduced need to empty meters, freeing bylaw staff to do other pressing matters.

Monthly parking in the City’s scramble and reserved lots, and in hourly pay stationed lots remain unaffected by this change. All traffic bylaws remain in effect except for the paid, on-street parking restrictions, the City said.

"Providing free metered parking downtown is a first and timely step toward supporting those businesses that are currently operating during this challenging time," Downtown Penticton Association executive director Lynn Allin says in the release.

“While parking is free, the time restrictions will remain to discourage the long-term use of on-street parking spaces,” bylaw services supervisor Tina Siebert says in the release.

Anyone with questions about parking may contact bylaw services at 250-490-2440, or by email at bylaw@penticton.ca

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