New West to consider changes to parking fees downtown
Posted September 6, 2023 2:32 pm.
Last Updated September 6, 2023 2:33 pm.
New Westminster is set to mull over a pilot project that would reduce parking fees in the city’s commercial districts, including the downtown core.
City councillor Daniel Fontaine is bringing forward a motion that is aimed at supporting local businesses as the summer season winds down.
The motion proposes making the first hour of on-street metered parking in places like the Downtown, Uptown, Sapperton, and 12th Street business districts free. It also proposes to start free on-street parking at 7 p.m. as opposed to the current 8 p.m. and proposes to make all parking free on all statutory provincial holidays and Sundays.
“… The high and ever-increasing cost of parking for short visits to our businesses located in our commercial districts can be a deterrent and decrease economic activity in our city,” the motion reads, adding it’s critical for the city to support businesses “by retaining regular customers and attracting new patrons to our commercial districts.”
The motion is set to go before city council for debate on Sept. 11.
