Vancouver makes free parking for veterans permanent
Posted October 19, 2021 4:57 pm.
Last Updated October 19, 2021 5:31 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A one-year pilot program giving veterans free parking in Vancouver is now permanent.
Councillor Melissa De Genova first raised this issue in 2019.
“It’s been a long road … After a one-year pilot today, Council unanimously supported the staff recommendations to make parking free for veterans, as well as memorial cost families in the city of Vancouver permanent.”
FREE PARKING for #VETERANS is permanent!! It’s a small gesture of THANKS to those who have given us all so much.
It’s been a long road and I appreciate the unanimous support of Council! #Respect #Veterans #LestWeForget #Vancouver— Melissa De Genova (@MelissaDeGenova) October 19, 2021
She adds this only applies to a few hundred vehicles in the city, but across B.C., more than 12,000 drivers would benefit from this.
“I’m thrilled that this has gone through. But I do feel it’s a bit ironic last year that veterans who fought for our rights and freedoms had to come to city council and fight again, for free parking,” she added.
“I hope that this is is welcome and happy news for them, especially with Remembrance Day right around the corner.”
De Genova is also hoping other cities will follow Vancouver’s lead.
“I would hope that other municipalities would perhaps consider doing this as well, if they have paid parking. I understand that there are other mayors and council members from different cities in our region, who have called me to ask me about this motion, and for more information — and I’ve shared that information with them.”
Last year, council approved the pilot project despite some concerns raised by staff trying to get more vehicles off local streets.
