Free parking in downtown Kamloops coming to an end

Free parking in downtown Kamloops is coming to an end.

Kamloops city council has voted to reinstate paid street parking starting May 19.

The decision today, May 12, followed a presentation from bylaw services manager Tammy Blundell.

Previously, council had authorized free parking as demand for parking decreased when businesses temporarily shut their doors due to the pandemic.

However, Blundell said they have been hearing reports from local businesses and customers that there is no available parking downtown. She added that residents of high-rises that do not have underground lots are also having difficulty parking on the street.

Council was presented with the option to reinstate paid parking in a two-phased approach.

Phase one will take effect May 19 for on-street parking, with the exception of 15 minute loading zones.

The second phase of the plan was deferred for later discussion at the July 14 council meeting.

If phase two is approved by council, paid parking will be reinstated after the July long weekend for city-owned surface lots and the Seymour and Lansdowne Street parkades. Until then, parking in these areas will continue to be free.

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